Japan charges Thai woman with forcing 12-year-old into prostitution

Khaosod•Society•3h ago

Reader Briefing

A Thai woman faces additional charges in Japan for her alleged involvement in forcing a 12-year-old Thai girl into prostitution at a massage parlor in Tokyo.

•Japanese authorities have filed new charges against a 38-year-old Thai woman, Ms. Phakaphon, for her role in a prostitution ring.
•The case involves a 12-year-old Thai girl allegedly forced into sex work at a massage parlor in Tokyo.
•Ms. Phakaphon is accused of acting as a pimp, facilitating the girl's entry into Japan on a short-term visa, and forcing her to work illegally.
•The owner of the massage parlor, 52-year-old Japanese national Masayuki Hosono, is also implicated and has been arrested.

Overview

•On February 17, 2026, Japanese authorities reported new charges against a Thai woman.
•Ms. Phakaphon, 38, was previously charged with violating child welfare laws in January of last year.
•Ms. Phakaphon allegedly collaborated with Masayuki Hosono to force a 12-year-old Thai girl into prostitution.
•Masayuki Hosono, 52, is the owner of the massage parlor where the alleged prostitution occurred.
•Ms. Phakaphon and Mr. Hosono allegedly facilitated the victim's entry into Japan on a short-term visa.
•The victim, a 12-year-old girl, was forced to work beyond the scope permitted by her visa, resulting in her exploitation.
•The 12-year-old girl contacted immigration authorities in September of last year and has been repatriated to Thailand.
•Masayuki Hosono was subsequently arrested by authorities.

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Key Entities

Place

Japan(ญี่ปุ่น)ℹ️

The country where the alleged crimes took place and where charges were filed.

Tokyo(โตเกียว)ℹ️

The capital city of Japan where the alleged prostitution activities occurred.

Thailand(ประเทศไทย)ℹ️

The home country of the Thai woman and the 12-year-old victim, to which the victim was repatriated.

Person

Thai Woman(สาวไทย)

A woman of Thai nationality facing additional charges related to prostitution in Tokyo.

12-Year-Old Girl(เด็กหญิงวัย 12 ปี)

A victim of alleged forced prostitution in Tokyo who has been repatriated to Thailand.

Ms. Phakaphon(น.ส.ภคภรณ์)

A 38-year-old Thai woman facing multiple charges in Japan for her alleged involvement in forcing a minor into prostitution.

Masayuki Hosono(มาซายูกิ โฮโซโนะ)

A 52-year-old Japanese businessman and owner of the massage parlor implicated in the forced prostitution case.

Law

Child Welfare Protection Laws(กฎหมายคุ้มครองสวัสดิภาพเด็ก)

Legislation in Japan that Ms. Phakaphon was previously accused of violating.

Organization

Immigration Bureau(สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง)

The government agency that the 12-year-old victim contacted for assistance.