Child Sex Den Busted Steps from Police Station
A child trafficking ring is smashed in Pattaya—just a stone’s throw from the local police station.
A 77-year-old Dutchman and his 58-year-old Thai accomplice allegedly run the operation, exploiting minors for foreign tourists.
Police storm a hotel near Dongtan Beach in Jomtien on October 2.
Three terrified teens are rescued: a 15-year-old boy of unknown nationality, a Thai boy of the same age, and a Thai girl believed to be 17.
All three are reportedly offered to foreign clients for “special services.”
The operation is so close to the police station, it leaves even seasoned officers stunned.
International Sting Led by Top Officials
This dramatic raid is led by Colonel Dr. Thanakrit Jit-Aree-Rat, advisor to the Minister for Social Development, and activist Kanthas “Kan Jompalang” Pongsphaiboonwech.
They are backed by senior officials from the Ministry of Social Development, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and local authorities.
The team acts on intelligence from international and local organisations.
Destiny Rescue, SCIENTIA Project, Free a Girl (Netherlands), and the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok all play a crucial role.
Their tip-offs expose a network trafficking boys and girls under 18 in Jomtien and nearby areas.
“Future trafficking cases will face tougher enforcement, including asset seizures and money laundering probes,” vows Colonel Thanakrit.
Dutch Ringleader’s Shocking Past
The main suspects are arrested in a nearby restaurant.
The Dutchman, named as Mr. Reinard, is no stranger to police.
He was charged with human trafficking in Thailand back in 2016.
But due to lack of evidence, he walked free and was deported.
Investigators now say he bribed officials to sneak back into Thailand via Sa Kaeo province.
Since 2017, he allegedly resumes his criminal trade in Pattaya.
At the moment of arrest, he desperately tries to call a supposed police contact.
But the officer denies knowing him.
Crackdown Promised After Outrage
The Pattaya Provincial Court wastes no time.
Warrants are issued for charges including pimping, child abuse, and kidnapping minors.
Hotel owners who turn a blind eye could also face prosecution under hotel laws.
Authorities are now gathering more evidence and probing for other possible accomplices.
For the three rescued teens, the ordeal is far from over.
They begin the long road to recovery in a special Ministry of Social Development facility.
But with traffickers operating in the shadow of law enforcement, the question remains—how many more victims are still out there?
