Leading Trang figure among human trafficking arrests
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The president of the Kantang Fishing Association was among eight suspects arrested on charges of human trafficking yesterday.
The arrest took place after about 70 police and soldiers searched 11 sites linked to Sompon Jirojmontri, who heads the association, owns fishing trawlers and sells seafood in Trang.
The seven other suspects are workers agent Somjit Srisawang, her husband Paiwong Chaiponrit, Sompon’s security guard Wichai Riabroy, and fishing trawler captains Prawit Kimsai, Thavorn Jantarak, Chuchart Sriwub, and Kammee Pradasuk.
The operation against Sompon took place in response to a Myanmar migrant’s complaint that he was forced to work on one of Sompon’s fishing trawlers.
The complaint was filed on October 18.
An official said the investigation was ongoing and evidence would determine whether Sompon’s assets would be seized.
