KUALA LUMPUR - Thai tourist police arrested two Ugandan women on the resort island of Koh Phangan on March 1 on suspicion of engaging in prostitution arranged through WhatsApp, authorities said.

According to police, the women allegedly earned about 500,000 baht per month and sent the money to their families in Uganda.

The investigation began after an Israeli tourist reported that foreign women were illegally offering sexual services and were suspected of stealing money and valuables from customers.

Investigators then contacted the suspects via WhatsApp, posing as customers.

The women agreed to provide two services for 5,000 baht, after which police officers moved in and arrested them at the scene.

During questioning, the suspects admitted they had been engaging in prostitution on the island for about two months, mainly targeting foreign tourists.

They reportedly served an average of 3 to 4 clients per day and completed more than 180 transactions during that period.

The suspects have been charged with gathering for the purpose of prostitution and publicly soliciting clients. 

Authorities said legal procedures are underway, and deportation is also being considered.

Thai authorities say prostitution involving African women has been increasing in recent months.

In February, police conducted a crackdown on Pattaya Beach, questioning more than 20 women, many of whom were reportedly from African countries.