‘Yod The Kids’ Arrested in Thailand Over Alleged Underage Prostitution
‘Yod The Kids’ Arrested in Thailand Over Alleged Underage Prostitution
BANGKOK, Sept. 6, 2026 — Thai anti-trafficking police have arrested a 38-year-old man in Samut Prakan accused of operating an online network that recruited girls under 18 for prostitution, with investigators alleging that he had referred around 50 girls to customers.
The suspect, identified by police as Saran, also known as “Yod” or “Yod The Kids,” was arrested on September 5 under a warrant issued by the Phra Khanong Criminal Court. Thai media reported that the arrest was carried out by officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division.
Police said investigators had been monitoring online networks suspected of recruiting minors for prostitution. They allegedly traced a LINE account using the “Yod The Kids” name and found conversations, photographs, customer reviews, payment records and other material they said was connected to the alleged network.
According to investigators, Saran allegedly approached girls under 18 through social media and by befriending young people living near his home in the Soi Dan Samrong area. Police said he initially presented the activity as paid work before allegedly informing interested girls that it involved prostitution.
Investigators further alleged that information about the girls, including photographs and details concerning payments and conditions, was circulated through private online groups. Police also said some girls were photographed holding signs bearing the “Yod The Kids” name, which investigators believe were used to identify members of the network.
Police alleged that Saran charged customers separate referral fees, while girls received payments for individual encounters. Investigators said several minors were linked to the network, including a 17-year-old whom they allege Saran recruited and connected with customers.
During questioning, police said Saran admitted referring about 50 girls and acknowledged a sexual interest in minors. The suspect was subsequently transferred to Division 1 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division for further legal proceedings.
The case has also highlighted the suspect’s previous criminal record. Police said Saran was arrested by the same division in January 2022 after officers found a large amount of child sexual-abuse material on his computer. He was later sentenced to 12 months in prison, with the sentence suspended for two years.
Saran now faces multiple charges, including human trafficking, procuring or inducing a person into prostitution, facilitating or benefiting from another person’s prostitution, and taking a minor aged over 15 but under 18 for exploitation or indecency, according to police.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining the alleged network and the number of minors potentially connected to it.
