Thai police patrolled an infamous red-light district in Bangkok over fears of human trafficking.

The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division swept through bars and clubs in Soi Cowboy - one of the largest streets catering to the sex industry - in an anti-human trafficking drive on April 21.

Footage shows the squad of policemen mobilising for 20 minutes first at the entrance - giving any miscreants the chance to scarper - before inspecting the neon-lit venues to warn owners to follow the law.

Brothel keepers were warned not to hire anyone under 18, which is considered a red flag for sexual exploitation and human trafficking. They were also urged to follow the law by banning customers under 20 and keeping firearms and drugs off the premises.

Authorities also urged against selling euphoria-inducing laughing gas to tourists, citing health risks.

Police Major General Songklod Krirkkitaya, commander of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, said: ‘This type of fieldwork is part of our proactive approach that we have continuously implemented in high-risk areas, especially important tourist destinations in the country.

‘We are combining awareness-building, surveillance, and law enforcement to raise the standards of entertainment venues to ensure they are safe and not used for exploitation.'

Underage prostitution is rife in Thailand, with many youngsters trafficked from rural areas, despite government efforts to curb it through strict laws and enforcement initiatives. Driven by poverty, trafficking, and lack of education, vulnerable minors are sometimes forced into the sex industry to earn money.

Soi Cowboy opened in the 1970s and was named after an African-American ex-pat named T.G. 'Cowboy' Edwards, who ran one of the first bars in the area.

Originally, it was a quiet street with only a few bars catering to American soldiers on R&R during the Vietnam War, with Thailand providing bases for troops to aid the fight against Communism.