In a case that has shocked both Thailand and the UK, British national William Bilton has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for human trafficking activities at a notorious bar in Pattaya. The Bangkok Criminal Court handed down the sentence following the arrest of Bilton, originally from Barrow-in-Furness, two years ago.
Bilton, 33, was the manager of Flirt bar on Soi 6 in the bustling seaside city of Pattaya. The venue became infamous after police raided it and removed dozens of women for questioning. Bilton remains on bail while awaiting an appeal, having been accused of exploiting a 16-year-old girl by promoting her on the bar’s Facebook page and negotiating her price with patrons, according to a report by The Sun.
In connection with this case, two Thai men also received 21-year sentences, while a Thai woman was fined 30,000 Baht (approximately £654) and given a three-year sentence for operating an unregistered sex business. However, an insider claims all are currently out on bail.
Pattaya’s local police chief, Thanapong Phothi, asserted at the time of the raid that the arrests were intended to bolster Pattaya’s image among tourists. Despite prostitution being illegal in Thailand, the trade flourishes, particularly in Pattaya, often referred to as “Sin City.” Experts estimate the industry generates a staggering 230 billion Baht annually (about £5.2 billion), with up to 200,000 sex workers across the country.
Authorities have announced intensified measures to crack down on both vice and drug trade.
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