Thai Foreign Ministry Provides Update on Rescued 12-Year-Old Trafficking Victim in Tokyo
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has released an update regarding the 12-year-old Thai girl who was rescued in Tokyo from a sexual exploitation and human trafficking case. She is currently in protective custody under the care of Japanese authorities.
Incident Background and Rescue
The case began in mid-September 2025 after Tokyo police arrested the owner of a massage parlour. The arrest followed a complaint from the young girl, who said she was forced into commercial sexual exploitation after being brought to Japan by her mother.
Consular Support and Investigation
Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA spokesperson, confirmed that the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo acted promptly upon receiving notification from Japanese officials. On 24 September 2025, a consular official visited the girl.
“A screening using the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) confirmed strong indicators that the child is indeed a victim of trafficking,” said Balankura.
The NRM is an established framework designed to identify victims of human trafficking. The Thai consular staff continue close cooperation with Japanese authorities as the criminal investigation proceeds.
Current Status
The girl remains safely protected by the Japanese government under ongoing care and protection measures.