Our friends at Scientia shared the story below with us, reporting that The Scientia Program were deeply involved in the case from start to finish. We had three partners working the investigation process with Thai law enforcement, one partner conduct digital forensics on the evidence, then another two partners assist with caring for the victims afterward. Just an example of how we can achieve more through our model. The story was posted at https://aseannow.com/topic/1374862-dutch-suspect-arrested-in-pattaya-underage-sex-case/
Photo courtesy of Daily News
Authorities in Pattaya have arrested a Dutch national and a Thai woman accused of running an underage sex trafficking operation just metres from a police substation. The raid, carried out on 2 October, rescued three minors who were allegedly being sold for sex to foreign tourists inside a hotel near Dongtan Beach in Jomtien. The case has raised serious concerns about law enforcement oversight, given the proximity of the illicit activity to the police station.
The operation was led by Lt. Col. Dr. Thanakrit Jit-Aree-Rat, an advisor to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, together with activist Kanthas Pongsphaiboonwech, known as “Kan Jompalang.” They were joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and local administrators. Officials confirmed that both male and female minors were being exploited.
Photo courtesy of Daily News
During the rescue, authorities found a 15-year-old boy of unspecified nationality, a 15-year-old Thai boy and a Thai girl aged about 17, though her exact age is being verified. All were being used for sexual services with foreign clients when the team intervened. The suspects, a 77-year-old Dutch national, Mr. Reinard and a 58-year-old Thai woman, Prapaiporn were identified as the ringleaders, were arrested at a nearby restaurant and later taken to the DSI’s Special Operations Centre in Pattaya for questioning.
Investigators revealed the Dutch suspect previously faced human trafficking charges in Thailand in 2016 but was released due to insufficient evidence before being deported. He allegedly bribed officials to re-enter the country illegally via Sa Kaeo province around 2017, after which he resumed trafficking activities in Pattaya. When arrested this time, he attempted to call a supposed police contact, but the person on the line denied knowing him.
The crackdown followed intelligence provided by several international and local organisations, including Destiny Rescue, SCIENTIA Project, Free a Girl (Netherlands) and the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok. They alerted Thai authorities to a trafficking network offering boys and girls, under 18 for sex in Jomtien Beach and surrounding areas.
Lt. Col. Thanakrit expressed shock that underage prostitution was taking place less than 100 metres from a police outpost. He warned that future human trafficking cases would face stronger enforcement, including asset seizures and money laundering investigations. Hotel operators who allow such activities may also face prosecution under the Hotel Act.
Authorities are now gathering further evidence against the suspects, with the Pattaya Provincial Court having already issued warrants for charges including procurement, underage prostitution and abduction of minors. Officials are also reviewing potential involvement of other facilitators in the trafficking network.
Photo courtesy of Daily News
Key Takeaways
• Thai and Dutch suspects were arrested in Pattaya for underage sex trafficking near a police substation.
• Three minors, including two boys aged 15 and one girl about 17, were rescued from a hotel.
• Authorities warn of stricter measures ahead, including asset seizures and hotel operator accountability.
