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Chonburi - Four members of an alleged human trafficking gang forced 11 boys to shave their heads and dress as Buddhist novices to ask for alms and donations at Sattahip Market, police said Tuesday.

Parents complained to police their child had told them by phone that he and other boys aged 11-17 were detained in hotel rooms and forced to dress as novices to collect the offerings and donations in Greater Bangkok and Eastern Thailand. Each day they had to make Bt10,000 or be assaulted, the child said.

The police probe located five accused gangmembers and the 11 children at the PP House Hotel. They rescued the kids and arrested alleged gang leader Boonnipa Sripiangchan, 48, and three men. Another, suspect, Thawat Boonkhum, 42, had left the hotel before police arrived. Although all suspects maintained their innocence, the boys told police Boonnipa took them from their parents who owed her money to work off the debts. They allege the gang also forced them to take yaba and ask for alms at various markets. Police investigations found the gang, operating in separate groups in various provinces, had forced some 100 boys into this activity.

The Nation