Two Ugandan Women Arrested in Thailand Prostitution Sting, Face Deportation

By Skika Reporter

Two Ugandan women have been detained in Thailand following their arrest in a police sting operation targeting prostitution on the tourist island of Koh Phangan in southern Thailand.

According to Thailand’s daily newspaper Khaosod, the suspects identified as Janat Nakalema, 32, and Mariam Namatovu, 29, were arrested by Thai tourist police and are now undergoing legal processing that could lead to deportation.

Authorities said the operation was conducted in Surat Thani Province after police received a tip-off from an Israeli tourist. The informant reportedly alleged that a group of foreign women were offering sexual services and raised concerns about suspected theft targeting clients.

Investigators led by Lt Col Winij Boonchit carried out surveillance before searching a rented house in Moo 2, Koh Phangan subdistrict where the suspects were believed to be operating from.

Police then arranged a sting operation through the messaging platform WhatsApp, posing as potential clients and agreeing to pay 5,000 Thai baht (about Shs591,550) for two encounters.

In major tourist cities such as Bangkok, many visitors who prefer discretion reportedly use websites and messaging platforms to connect with escort services, often through WhatsApp contacts.

After the undercover officer signalled that the transaction had proceeded, police officers moved in and arrested the two women at the property.

Authorities said the suspects were detained while allegedly providing services to a foreign male tourist inside the house.

During interrogation, police said the women admitted they had been operating on Koh Phangan for about two months, primarily targeting foreign clients visiting the island.

Investigators claim the pair received an average of three to four customers per day and had served more than 180 clients during that period.

Authorities further alleged that the operation generated about 500,000 baht per month — approximately Shs60 million — which the women reportedly said they sent back home to support their families in Uganda.

The suspects have been charged with assembling in a place of prostitution for the purpose of prostitution and publicly advertising or soliciting prostitution.

They were later handed over to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings and possible deportation.

Koh Phangan, a globally known tourist destination famous for the monthly Full Moon Party, falls under Thailand’s southern Surat Thani province and attracts thousands of international visitors each year.

Although prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand, the country has long been associated with sex tourism, particularly in nightlife districts of Bangkok.

These include areas such as Patpong in the Silom district — one of the city’s oldest red-light areas — as well as Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy along Sukhumvit Road, which are widely known for adult entertainment venues.

The Nile Post has contacted the Uganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm the status of the two women and establish whether any consular assistance has been extended to them.