Bangkok: Lawyer Rachapol has taken the father of a human trafficking victim to request the police expedite a case involving a sting operation linked to prostitution. The victim, a 15-year-old girl, sent a letter to her family expressing her desire to return home.
According to Thai News Agency, Lawyer Ratchapol Sirisakor, accompanied by Mr. A (pseudonym), the father of Ms. Muk (pseudonym), and Mrs. B (pseudonym), the grandmother, submitted a letter to the Romklao Police Station. They appealed for a swift resolution after their daughter was apprehended on May 29 during a sting operation. The investigation revealed that the teenager was a victim, ensnared by friends, and had reached out to her family for assistance in expediting the case so she could return home.
Lawyer Rachapol stated that the family contacted her after the daughter was lured to a hotel by a 14-year-old female friend, where she was arrested by an undercover police officer involved in the prostitution ring. The victim is currently under the care of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) and has expressed her wish to reunite with her family.
Rachapol emphasized the importance of ensuring the 15-year-old victim receives familial support and warmth. She has urged the Superintendent of Rom Klao Police Station to expedite the investigation to facilitate the girl's return home.
Mr. A recounted that he works as a rider and was initially unaware of his daughter's whereabouts after she failed to return from a friend's birthday party. It wasn't until June 6 that the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security informed him about his daughter's placement in the Human Trafficking Victims Protection Center in Nonthaburi Province. He learned that she had been in custody since May 29.
On June 10, Mr. A visited his daughter, who apologized and requested legal proceedings be hastened so she could leave the protection center by her birthday in August. He noted that his daughter always informed him of her return times in the past.
Mrs. B expressed concern about her niece's association with the group of friends, particularly the 14-year-old who is currently in juvenile detention for drug-related offenses. She urged for her niece's release, citing the niece's distress and inability to eat while in the protection center. The authorities have acknowledged receipt of the letter and will proceed with the necessary actions.