Gang forced boys to beg, police claim
Four members of an alleged human-trafficking gang forced 11 boys to shave their heads and dress as Buddhist novices to seek alms and donations at Sattahip Market, police said yesterday.
Parents told police that their child had called them to say that he and other boys aged 11-17 were detained in hotel rooms and forced to dress as novices to collect the offerings in Greater Bangkok and Eastern Thailand. Each day they had to make Bt10,000 or be assaulted, the child said.
The police probe located five accused gang members and the 11 children at the PP House Hotel. They rescued the kids and arrested alleged gang leader Boonnipa Sripiangchan, 48, and three men. Another, suspect, Thawat Boonkhum, 42, had left the hotel before police arrived. Although all suspects maintained their innocence, the boys told police Boonnipa took them from their parents who owed her money to work off the debts. They allege the gang forced them to take ya ba and ask for alms at various markets. Police investigations found the gang had forced some 100 boys into this activity.
