‘Human trafficker’ nabbed

A woman was arrested in Samut Prakan yesterday for allegedly luring Thai women into forced prostitution in Bahrain.

Police from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, led by its chief, Pol Maj Gen Wiwat Khamchamnarn, caught Wanna Meechan, 54, in tambon Na Klue of Phra Samut Chedi district, said Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).

Ms Wanna was wanted on an arrest warrant for alleged collusion in human trafficking by procuring women for forced prostitution and illegal detention.

Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said the suspect was a key figure in enticing young women into going to Bahrain.

She led them to believe there were spas there wanting to hire masseuses and pay high wages of 50,000-70,000 baht a month.

However, on arrival, they were forcibly detained and forced to provide sexual services. In a further setback, they received only 50% of the money their customers were charged.

Some victims managed to contact the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women seeking help. They were rescued and returned to Thailand, the CIB chief said.

During questioning, Ms Wanna allegedy admitted to persuading women to work abroad, but denied luring them into forced prostitution. Police were still confirming the number of victims.