Two Ugandan women have been detained in Thailand following their arrest in a police sting operation targeting prostitution on the resort island of Koh Phangan.
According to Thailand’s daily newspaper Khaosod, Janat Nakalema, 32, and Mariam Namatovu, 29, were arrested by Thai tourist police and are now being processed for possible deportation.
The arrests were carried out on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province after authorities received a tip-off from an Israeli tourist. The informant alleged that a group of foreign women were offering sexual services and raised suspicions of theft from clients.
Investigators led by Lt Col Winij Boonchit searched a rented house in Moo 2, Koh Phangan subdistrict, following surveillance. Police reportedly arranged a sting operation through WhatsApp, agreeing to pay 5,000 baht (ShsShs591,550) for two encounters.
In Bankok, most travellers who are uncomfortable with hitting the streets use webs and get connected to escort services WhatApp accounts to hook up.
After an undercover officer signalled that the transaction had proceeded, officers entered the house and arrested the two women.
Authorities said the suspects were detained while allegedly providing services to a foreign male tourist inside the property.
During questioning, police said the women admitted they had been operating on Koh Phangan for approximately two months, focusing mainly on foreign clients.
"They reportedly told investigators they received an average of three to four customers per day and had served more than 180 clients during that period," the newspaper said.
Authorities further alleged that the operation generated around 500,000 baht per month — approximately Shs60 million — which the women said was sent 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 for prostitution.
They were handed over to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings and possible deportation.
Koh Phangan, a popular tourist destination known for its Full Moon Party events, falls under Thailand’s southern Surat Thani province.
Thailand remains one of the world’s most prominent destinations for sex tourism, despite prostitution being technically illegal under Thai law. In the capital, Bangkok, certain nightlife districts are widely associated with adult entertainment venues.
These include Patpong in Silom — one of the city’s oldest red-light areas — as well as Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy along Sukhumvit Road.
The Nile Post has contacted Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to verify the status of the two women and whether any consular assistance has been extended.
