Thailand: 16 Foreign Women Arrested in Nana Plaza Sex Work Crackdown

Bangkok, Thailand – Thai police raided a section of Sukhumvit Soi 4 in Bangkok on Thursday, arresting 16 foreign women suspected of involvement in prostitution. The operation, conducted by officers from Metropolitan Police Division 5, Lumpini Police Station, and a mobile unit from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, was carried out in conjunction with the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family (DWAF) and Immigration Division 1.

The raid followed complaints from foreign tourists and reports circulating on social media alleging that a group of foreign women were soliciting customers in the Nana area, causing disturbance and damaging the reputation of tourism in the district. Authorities had reportedly been monitoring the situation before executing the arrests.

Those detained include 10 women from Tanzania, five from Kenya, and one from Vietnam. They have been charged under Section 5 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act of 2539 (1996), which prohibits soliciting, inducing, or enticing individuals in public places for the purpose of prostitution. The charge specifically addresses actions that are considered “open and disgraceful” or cause public nuisance.

Following the arrests, authorities will impose fines through the DWAF, as stipulated by regulations. The Immigration Bureau has been contacted to initiate the revocation of the women’s visas under the Immigration Act of 2522 (1979). The women are currently being held at the Immigration Bureau (Suan Plu) pending deportation to their respective countries.

Police officials have stated that they will continue to rigorously monitor target areas to maintain order and ensure the safety and confidence of tourists in the Sukhumvit area.