5 KENYANS & 10 TANZANIANS AMONG 16 WOMEN ARRESTED IN BANGKOK PROSTITUTION RAID

Five Kenyans, 10 Tanzanians, and one Vietnamese national were among 16 foreign women arrested Friday night in a Bangkok vice crackdown, now held at the Immigration Detention Centre pending deportation.

The multi-agency operation targeted Sukhumvit Soi 4, a well-known nightlife precinct, following weeks of complaints from residents and tourists about open solicitation. Metropolitan Police Division 5 commander Witawat Chinkam led the raid, which commenced at approximately 8:30 PM.

Officers from Lumpini Police Station, the Department of Women and Family Affairs, and Immigration Bureau 1 participated in the coordinated sweep. Authorities said the women were observed engaging in public solicitation prior to their arrest.

All 16 foreign nationals were charged under Section 5 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, which prohibits public solicitation that causes a public nuisance. Following the issuance of fines by social development officials, immigration authorities revoked the women’s permission to stay in the kingdom under Section 12(8) of the Immigration Act.

The suspects were subsequently transferred to the Immigration Bureau’s Suan Phlu facility, where they remain in custody as deportation proceedings are finalised.

Police said the operation reflects ongoing enforcement efforts in Bangkok’s entertainment districts, with a focus on addressing public disturbances linked to vice-related activities.