Authorities raided two bars over their alleged prostitution of underage girls in northern Thailand.

The Department Of Provincial Administration (DOPA) officers busted the Ozone and Sala Sod clubs in Chiang Rai province shortly after midnight on July 6 for reportedly hiring the youngsters to perform sex acts.

The seedy shops were said to be exploiting both Thai and foreign girls under 18, as well as selling narcotics

Police Major General Duldecha Archawa Smithtrakul, chief of the Chiang Rai provincial police, said: 'In this operation, the team collaborated with Narcotics Control Office Region 5, local authorities, and Social Development and Human Security staff in Chiang Rai.

'We have arrested the managers of both establishments. They are facing multiple charges, including operating an entertainment venue without a license, selling alcoholic beverages outside of specified hours, inducing inappropriate behaviour in children, compelling children to perform sexually explicit activities, making children under 18 work from 10 PM to 6 AM, and employing children under 18 without reporting to labour inspectors.'

He added that cops are investigating whether there was human trafficking involved.

Five commissioned police officers and two deputy district chiefs were temporarily reassigned to aid in the investigations, he said.