A 17-year-old Thai girl was forced by her family to go to Nigeria, Africa, where she was forced into prostitution for more than two months. With the assistance of the Royal Thai Embassy in Nigeria, the girl was successfully rescued and safely returned to Thailand.
According to Thai media reports, the victim arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand by plane on June 10. Accompanied by Ms. Chalida (nickname Ton Or), the president of the Thai NGO "Be One" Foundation, the victim proceeded to the Central Investigation Bureau.
The "Be One" Foundation is a Thai charitable organization dedicated to helping vulnerable groups and victims seeking justice. When the victim met with investigators from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, officials from Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security also accompanied her throughout.
Ton Or told the media that the victim claimed to have clearly refused multiple requests, but still suffered coercion and pressure from several family members, including her mother, grandmother, aunt, and uncle, who forced her to go abroad.
The girl tried to escape and hid at her boyfriend’s house to avoid being sent overseas. However, her relatives tracked her down, beat her, and forced her to go to the airport, after which she was sent to Nigeria.
During the two months in Nigeria, the girl endured extremely harsh living conditions. Nonetheless, she managed to secretly keep in contact with her boyfriend and her aunt. When the opportunity arose, they sought help from the Royal Thai Embassy in Nigeria, which ultimately coordinated and ensured her safe return to Thailand.
After returning safely to Thailand, the victim revealed her wish to see her brother, stating that he was the only family member who was not aware of or involved in the alleged human trafficking incident. The foundation subsequently verified that her brother is currently serving in the military near the northern border.
It is reported that after learning the truth, the brother was heartbroken and hoped to see his sister as soon as possible. Relevant agencies provided support and covered travel expenses so the siblings could reunite. The two spoke later that day.
Additionally, the victim claimed her aunt had previously been deceived and sent abroad for similar work. Allegedly, after returning to Thailand, the aunt—along with the girl’s mother and other relatives—pressured the girl to travel abroad as a replacement.
According to Thai law, forcing or arranging for a minor to engage in prostitution abroad may constitute human trafficking, facilitating child prostitution, coercion, bodily harm, and illegal detention, depending on the evidence collected by investigators.
Currently, investigators from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division and multidisciplinary officials are conducting detailed questioning with the girl. Police are collecting evidence to take legal action against those involved and plan to expand the investigation into deeper levels of the human trafficking network.