A nine-year-old girl was rescued after being forced to sell orange juice late into the night in Bangkok, prompting a police investigation and renewed concerns over child exploitation, authorities confirmed following a complaint filed on May 11.
The child, identified only as Miss A, was allegedly taken from her mother at age two by her mother’s former partner, who falsely registered himself as her father. The mother, 28-year-old Ms. Noi, said she initially allowed the arrangement due to financial strain and promises of a stable upbringing. However, she later discovered her daughter had been denied education, proper food, and adequate rest, while being compelled to sell juice from early evening until 1:00 a.m.
According to the complaint lodged through the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, the girl faced abuse if she failed to meet nightly sales quotas. The situation came to light after a relative spotted the child in the Suksawat area and brought her home. The girl expressed a desire to return to her mother and reported being barred from school. However, the former partner reportedly reclaimed her shortly after, striking the child in public before taking her away.
Efforts to track the child had been hindered by the former partner’s frequent relocations. A separate report to the Pavena Foundation linked him to another case involving a different young girl being made to sell juice in the Bukkhlo area.
Following the recent developments, police at Phra Pradaeng station questioned the man, identified as Mr. Bank, after intervention by child welfare officials. He confessed to the accusations and now faces charges under Thailand’s Child Protection Act, specifically Section 26 (5), which prohibits using minors for commercial exploitation. Conviction could result in up to three months’ imprisonment and a 10,000 baht fine.
The mother and child were reunited at the police station in an emotional scene. The case has drawn attention to gaps in child welfare monitoring and the difficulties faced by vulnerable families.
Officials involved included Pavena Foundation Chairperson Pavena Hongsakul, Ms. Anintita Rujiraprapha of the Samut Prakan Department of Social Development and Human Security, and Ms. Amornrat Satabut from the local child and family shelter.
