Two Ugandan women have been arrested in Thailand after authorities accused them of running an illegal prostitution business that reportedly earned them about 500,000 Thai baht (approximately Shs52 million) per month.
The suspects were identified as Janet Nakalema, 32, and Mariam Namatovu, 29.
They were arrested on March 1, 2026, by the Thai Tourist Police in Surat Thani Province following a complaint from a tourist.
Complaint From Tourist Triggered Investigation
According to investigators, the case began after an Israeli tourist reported that some of his belongings went missing after meeting a woman he had contacted for sexual services on Koh Phangan.
Following the complaint, Tourist Police launched an undercover operation. An officer posing as a client contacted the suspects through WhatsApp and arranged to meet them at a rented house on the island.
The undercover officer reportedly agreed to pay 5,000 baht (about Shs520,000) for what police described as a “double service.”
Authorities moved in after receiving a signal from the officer and found the two women inside the house together with another foreign tourist who had reportedly arrived earlier seeking similar services.
Police Gather Evidence
Police officers searched the property and collected evidence before taking the suspects to a Tourist Police service center for questioning.
During interrogation, the two women reportedly admitted that they had travelled to Thailand as tourists but had been offering sex services secretly for more than two months while staying on Koh Phangan.
Investigators said the suspects claimed they served about three to four clients per day, totaling roughly 180 customers within two months.
Earnings Sent Back to Families
Police said the women admitted earning up to 500,000 baht per month, equivalent to about Shs52 million. According to investigators, most of the money was reportedly sent back to support their families in Uganda.
The two now face charges related to organizing prostitution and advertising sexual services for financial gain under Thai law.
More Arrests in Related Operation
In a separate operation, immigration authorities in Phuket also arrested five other Ugandan women suspected of offering similar services in the busy nightlife district of Patong, particularly around the Soi Bangla entertainment area.
Authorities said the arrests followed complaints from members of the public about illegal activities in the area.
Investigations Ongoing
The two suspects remain in custody at Koh Phangan Police Station as investigations and legal proceedings continue.
Thai authorities say the case is part of ongoing efforts to monitor illegal activities in major tourist destinations and maintain safety for visitors.
