Thailand investigates officials for allegedly tipping off human traffickers

The Thai Ministry of Interior is investigating allegations that government officials tipped off a human trafficking network to evade inspections in Bangkok. The investigation follows an October 13 operation in the Saphan Sung district that dismantled a ring exploiting children and young women from Myanmar.

Investigators discovered chat messages on a suspect's phone, including communications via the LINE app, which suggested that officials provided advance notice of planned inspections on Khao San Road and Ratchadamnoen Road. These warnings allegedly allowed traffickers to move children—who were forced to sell flowers, garlands, and drinks late into the night—away from the area before authorities arrived.

Furthermore, authorities suspect that location data from phone signals may have been shared with the network to help them track down and recapture victims who had escaped. The Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has been engaged to determine the extent of official complicity. The victims rescued during the initial raid included individuals aged between 5 and 28 years.