Arrests of Live-stream Performers in Pattaya
Crackdown on Live-Streaming Sex Services in Pattaya, Thailand
In a series of recent police operations, interactive live sex streaming studios run by foreign crews have been targeted and shut down in Pattaya, Thailand. The latest raid, conducted on Wednesday night, resulted in the arrest of five Chinese nationals accused of operating a live-streaming sex service [1].
The suspects, aged between 48 and 53, along with two women aged 26 and 24, were detained at a pool villa in Pattaya. They were charged with commercialising and distributing pornographic content online [1]. The operation was led by the Immigration Division 3, with Pol Col Jirapong Rujidamrongchai serving as the investigation chief [1].
The seized items included sex toys, condoms, cameras, mobile phones, and other live-streaming gear [1]. The live porn was offered on a Chinese online platform, and the service allowed viewers to pay to watch and direct the performers. Subscribers could also pay extra to order the performers to do specific actions [1].
The live-streaming of sexual content for pay is illegal under Thai law, violating provisions related to obscenity, cybercrime, and the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act [1][3]. The interactive nature of some streams, where online viewers pay to issue commands to performers in real time, has been considered crossing clear legal lines related to obscenity and cybercrime [1].
Authorities emphasize that these crackdowns are part of a broader effort to suppress foreign-led digital crime rings that threaten public order and harm Thailand’s image [1]. In the past, Chinese crews have operated interactive livestream sex studios targeting Chinese-based platforms, using Thai properties as production sites but streaming content primarily to overseas audiences [1][2].
Foreign nationals involved, particularly Chinese and Laotian individuals, have been arrested and face charges including obscenity, cybercrime, and soliciting prostitution [1][2][3]. Penalties for such offenses can include imprisonment (from six months to two years) and fines (THB 10,000 to 40,000, approximately USD 260-1,040) [3].
This is not the first time such operations have been targeted in Pattaya. Previous raids have uncovered fully equipped live streaming sex studios utilizing multiple mobile phones, lighting, sex toys, and costumes [1][2]. The arrested individuals were taken to the Huai Yai police station for further investigation [1].
The article did not mention any new charges or penalties the suspects might face. However, it is clear that foreign nationals engaging in such activities face strong legal consequences in Thailand.
References: [1] The Nation. (2021, October 14). Chinese men arrested for operating live-sex streaming service in Pattaya. Retrieved from https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30413412 [2] Bangkok Post. (2021, October 14). Chinese men arrested in Pattaya for operating live-sex streaming service. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2037731/chinese-men-arrested-in-pattaya-for-operating-live-sex-streaming-service [3] Thailand Today. (n.d.). Thai law on prostitution and related activities. Retrieved from https://thailandtoday.in.th/thai-law-on-prostitution-and-related-activities/
- The crackdown on live-streaming sex services in Pattaya, Thailand, extends beyond general news and local crime-and-justice to health-and-wellness, as authorities aim to protect the public from the harmful impacts of such actions.
- While science and technology have facilitated the growth of interactive live-streaming sex services, law enforcement agencies around the world, like those in Pattaya, Thailand, work tirelessly to uphold legal standards related to obscenity, cybercrime, and the suppression of sexual activities that violate local regulations.
