Tokyo police have rearrested a Thai woman on suspicion of forcing a 12-year-old Thai girl to work in Japan illegally, under the status of a short-term stay. The suspect was arrested and indicted on charges of recruiting the girl to provide sexual services.
Investigators say Punsiripanya Phakhaphon, who lives in Tokyo, colluded with Hosono Masayuki, who operates a massage parlor in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward. The two are suspected of arranging illegal employment for the girl, who entered Japan in June 2025 under the status of a 15-day stay, in violation of the immigration control law.
Police quote the woman as saying she had been told by the girl’s mother about the short-term status, but claimed she could not run the business unless she hired people with that status. She reportedly admitted to the charges.
The girl’s mother brought her to Japan in late June 2025 and left her at the parlor. The mother had worked there from May to June of that year. After she quit, she is said to have sent a message to the suspect via social media, saying she wanted to work with her daughter.
Police believe the suspect brokered jobs for around 30 to 40 workers, including the girl.
The girl returned to Thailand in December and is said to be in the custody of local authorities. Tokyo investigators say they will work with Thai police to pursue the case.
AloJapan.com