The Criminal Court approved the warrant yesterday (Nov 24), following a petition from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division. The woman faces charges related to human trafficking and exploitation of a minor, with potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison, reports the Bangkok Post.
The case came to light in mid-September, when the girl approached the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau seeking help.
She claimed to have been left by her mother at a massage parlour in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward in late June. There, she said she was forced to work under harsh conditions and to provide sexual services for about a month.
Japanese police have arrested two suspects connected to the parlour: owner Masayuki Hosono, 51, for employing a minor and violating labour laws, and a Thai employee, Kritayaporn (surname withheld), for immigration and employment violations. The girl is now under protective care in Japan.
The mother was arrested on Nov 8 in New Taipei City, Taiwan, for violating local immigration and employment regulations.
She is currently detained by Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency and is expected to be extradited to Japan for prosecution.
If the extradition cannot be completed within the legal timeframe, she will be returned to Thailand to face charges filed by the Thai authorities. The charges include human trafficking and procuring a minor for sexual exploitation, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
National police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch said he has instructed Deputy Commissioner-General Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelabutr to work with Japanese and Taiwanese authorities to ensure the well-being of the child and maintain evidence-sharing.
A joint task force involving the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Interpol has also been formed to address trafficking networks.
On Sunday, the girl’s grandmother appealed to the Pavena Foundation for help.
Pavena Hongsakula, chairwoman of the foundation, assured the family that Thai police and international agencies have verified the child’s safety.