Officials raid four unlicensed KTV bars in Thailand amid probe of sex trade involving Vietnamese women

Officials raided four unlicensed karaoke bars suspected of being linked to a sex trade involving Vietnamese women in Thailand.

Deputy Interior Minister Polpee Suwanchawi led the joint raids on October 17 as police swept into venues accused of providing sexual services to customers in Rayong province.

The four bars, Qing Ren KTV, Xingwei KTV, World Party KTV and Grand Hyatt KTV, allegedly catered mainly to Chinese customers, offering female companions and alcoholic drinks while charging high fees.

Footage shows cops storming the establishments, where customers were found drinking with fair-skinned, slender bargirls in private rooms.

Investigators reportedly found evidence of prostitution at two of the establishments and records of Vietnamese women working at the premises.

All four bars were found to be operating without valid licences.

Authorities said they would widen the probe to identify the people operating the venues, financiers, managers, and those responsible for procuring alleged sex workers.

Interior Minister Polpee said: ‘The arrested individuals and seized evidence will be handed over to the inquiry officers for further legal proceedings.

‘Should any government officials, regardless of rank or agency, be found to be involved, the matter must be reported to their superiors for disciplinary action alongside the maximum criminal penalties, without exception.

‘The Ministry of Interior reaffirms its strict law enforcement policy by investigating all individuals involved at every level based on evidence and preventing business establishments from being exploited for illegal gain.'

Following the raids, Police Colonel Nawin Sinthurat, superintendent of Pluak Daeng Police Station, and Pluak Daeng district chief Kantaphon Suksong were transferred from their posts amid allegations they were bribed to turn a blind eye to illegal operations at the karaoke bars.

The Department of Provincial Administration said it would pursue legal action against all those involved to keep entertainment venues from being used to profit from illegal activities.