Two Ugandan nationals have been arrested in Thailand after police accused them of running an illegal prostitution operation that reportedly earned them tens of millions of shillings every month.
Thai tourist police identified the suspects as Janet Nakalema, 32, and Mariam Namatovu, 29, who were arrested on Koh Phangan Island in Surat Thani Province following a police sting operation.
According to Thai authorities, the arrests followed a complaint from an Israeli tourist who alleged that his belongings went missing after he contacted one of the women for sexual services. The complaint triggered an undercover investigation by tourist police.
Investigators said an undercover officer contacted the suspects through WhatsApp and arranged a meeting, agreeing to pay about 5,000 Thai baht (approximately Shs520,000) for services. Police then raided a rented house where the women were found with a foreign customer and arrested them.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted they had been offering sex services on the island for more than two months, mostly to foreign tourists. Authorities said the women reported serving three to four clients per day, totaling around 180 customers over the two-month period.
Police further said each of the suspects claimed to earn up to 500,000 Thai baht per month—about Shs52 million—from the activity, with much of the money reportedly sent back to their families in Uganda.
The pair are currently being held at Koh Phangan Police Station and face charges related to organizing prostitution and advertising sexual services. Authorities say the suspects could also face deportation after the legal process is completed.
Koh Phangan is a popular tourist destination in southern Thailand known for its nightlife and large international visitor numbers, factors authorities say often attract illegal activities despite prostitution being technically illegal in the country.
Unverified reports circulating on social media have also made additional allegations about one of the suspects’ activities and relationships, but these claims have not been confirmed by Thai authorities.
