Chiang Rai crackdown reveals human trafficking and drug abuse in lounges

An operation by the Department of Provincial Administration led to a crackdown on two infamous lounges in the heart of Chiang Rai‘s Mae Sai district believed to be involved in human trafficking, drug dealing, and exploitation of underage workers. This was following a tip-off by international human rights organisations.

Officers discovered nine individuals who tested positive for drugs and apprehended underage workers, the youngest being only 15 years old.

Under the leadership of Ronnarong Thepiri, an official investigator, the special unit managed to successfully infiltrate and take control of the two establishments located in Wiang Pang Kham, Mae Sai. The report from the human rights organisations indicated that these lounges were employing underage women, both Thai and foreign nationals, who may have been sexually exploited and…