A Thai man who self-identifies as transgender was arrested on January 20 at a hotel in Phuket, for allegedly arranging human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children under the age of 18 years.
Supalak Chumphan, 37, was wanted by local police for the exploitation of children through the sex trafficking of mostly girls under the age of 18. Chumphan offered the children for sale on Twitter, reportedly using the name “Pepsi” on his account to find potential buyers before contacting johns on the mobile application Line.
Undercover police officers contacted the Twitter account, stating that they wanted to procure a sexual encounter at a local hotel in the Mueang district. The suspect was discovered sending young girls to the arranged location on Wednesday, when police were able to make the arrest.
Chumphan confessed to allegations of human trafficking, procuring, and arranging the exploitation of children between the ages of 15 to 18 years old. He will be transferred for further interrogation and legal proceedings in Bangkok.
Local media outlets have consistently referred to Chumphan as a woman.
Thailand is a major international hub for sex trafficking, particularly of children. An estimated 31% of tourists to the nation are sex buyers and the nation has an international reputation for clinics offering so-called “sex reassignment” surgeries, as well as the preponderance of “ladyboys” in the sex trafficking industry.
In 2020, Cambodian trans-identified male Wan Jo was arrested for pimping underage girls in Bangkok. Last year, it was reported that notorious Australian heroin dealer and convicted rapist David John Kelleher had relocated to Thailand to “live as a woman.”
Reduxx is a newly-launched, independent source of pro-woman, pro-child safeguarding news and commentary. We’re able to continue our work exposing predators and reporting the truth thanks to the generous support of our readers.
