Sex scandal spurs reshuffle

Child trafficking case sees official shunted

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) has transferred a Department of Children and Youth (DCY) official linked to a child prostitution case in Surat Thani, pending an investigation of the matter.

On Wednesday, police raided 18 locations across the province linked to a sex trafficking ring. Since then, a number of officials have been implicated in the case, including Phisit Poonpipat, deputy director-general of the DCY, other state officials as well as soldiers, teachers and doctors in the area.

An investigation looking into the 18 locations linked the case to the Surat Thani Shelter for Children and Families, where one of its officials allegedly pressured minors into prostitution. The deputy director-general of the DCY allegedly phoned children at the shelter and persuaded them to provide sexual services. He also reportedly played a role in hampering an investigation into the trafficking ring.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has told related government agencies to look into the matter.

Patcharee Arayakul, permanent secretary for the MSDHS, said yesterday the accused deputy director-general has yet to be sacked because a factfinding panel has not found grounds to support the allegations against him.

He has been initially assigned to survey the area, she said, adding a meeting with the working panel will be held on Monday to discuss how to provide assistance and find a solution.

MSDHS Minister Chuti Krairiksh said the ministry’s permanent secretary consulted with the DCY director-general to transfer all individuals allegedly involved in the case to ensure transparency in the investigation.

Victims may also be taken elsewhere for safety, Mr Chuti said.

He said a working panel to solve the problem of sexual abuse, chaired by Ms Patcharee, has been set up to help eradicate the issue.

Panel members include those in the civil society sector, such as attorneys under the Women Lawyers Association of Thailand, which is under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen, Mr Chuti said.

Mr Chuti said the ministry has been helping the victims since the crackdown last year.

However, the ministry needs to keep a low profile to protect the victims’ rights, he said.