BANGKOK, Thailand — Two Ugandan nationals have been detained in Thailand following their arrest during a police operation targeting alleged prostitution activities on the resort island of Koh Phangan.
According to Thailand’s daily newspaper Khaosod, Janat Nakalema, 32, and Mariam Namatovu, 29, were arrested by Thai tourist police and are being processed for possible deportation.
The arrests took place in Koh Phangan, located in Surat Thani province, after authorities said they received a tip-off from an Israeli tourist.
The complainant alleged that a group of foreign women were offering sexual services and raised concerns about suspected theft from clients.
Investigators led by Lt Col Winij Boonchit reportedly conducted surveillance on a rented house in Moo 2, Koh Phangan subdistrict, before organising a sting operation.
Police allegedly arranged contact via WhatsApp, agreeing to pay 5,000 baht for two encounters.
After an undercover officer confirmed that the transaction had taken place, officers entered the property and arrested the two women.
Authorities said the suspects were detained while allegedly providing services to a foreign male tourist inside the house.
During questioning, police said the women admitted they had been operating on the island for approximately two months, primarily serving foreign clients.
“They reportedly told investigators they received an average of three to four customers per day and had served more than 180 clients during that period,” the newspaper said.
Authorities further alleged that the operation generated around 500,000 baht per month, which the women said was sent to support their families in Uganda.
The suspects have been charged with assembling in a place of prostitution for the purpose of prostitution and publicly advertising or soliciting for prostitution.
They were transferred to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings and possible deportation.
Koh Phangan is internationally known for its Full Moon Party events and attracts thousands of foreign tourists each month. While prostitution is technically illegal under Thai law, enforcement varies, and the country has long been associated with sex tourism.
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In Bangkok, nightlife districts such as Patpong in Silom, Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy along Sukhumvit Road are widely known for adult entertainment venues, though authorities periodically conduct crackdowns.
Thailand has in recent years intensified enforcement actions against visa overstays, illegal employment and trafficking-related offences, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.
Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been contacted to confirm whether the two women have received consular assistance and to clarify their legal status.
Under Thai law, foreign nationals convicted of prostitution-related offences may face fines, detention and deportation, often accompanied by blacklisting from re-entry.
