Roi et: Interior Minister 1 continues to take action, ordering a special operations unit of the Department of Provincial Administration to use a court warrant to arrest the administrator of a famous app group that exposed children to livestream online for profit, and to help 2 young girls who were victims of human trafficking.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, acting as Prime Minister, assigned Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, to order the Department of Provincial Administration to launch Operation 'Discord disconnected' to arrest a young man who brought young girls to live-stream online to earn money.
Mr. Ronnarong Thippasiri, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, along with other officials, led a special operations team to execute a search warrant issued by the Roi Et Provincial Court. The operation aimed to apprehend a suspect involved in exploiting children for online streaming in Tha Wachi Buri District, Roi Et Province.
The Department of Provincial Administration received complaints from the Exodus Road Foundation and the Scientia Program, alleging that children under 18 were being exploited to produce and distribute online pornography via the Discord application. This activity constitutes human trafficking and incites inappropriate behavior among children.
The operation uncovered various pieces of evidence, including computers, mobile phones, bank accounts, and money transfer documents. Digital evidence illustrated the systematic exploitation of children through the Discord application. The suspect faces multiple charges under the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, the Computer Crime Act, and the Criminal Code. The evidence and suspect were handed over to the Tha Wachi Buri Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Special operations officers also rescued two victims, aged 16 and 17, guiding them through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) process for rehabilitation. An additional victim, a 14-year-old girl, was identified during the arrest and will receive assistance.
The Department of Provincial Administration's mission was supported by the Homeland Security Investigations Office, the United States Department of Homeland Security, and Meta Company, which aided in the investigation and victim assistance.
Mr. Ronnarong Tipsiri emphasized the growing misuse of technology for human trafficking, particularly through online platforms. He highlighted the severe legal consequences for those involved in such crimes and urged public vigilance. The Minister of Interior remains committed to addressing human trafficking and maintaining social order, ensuring that perpetrators face justice regardless of their methods or locations.