Mega-brothels are causing Bangkok to sink by illegally using groundwater for "soapy massages", according to Thai police.

Detectives are investigating whether water was stolen by more than 40 soapy massage parlours - massive brothels with private bathrooms where customers receive sexual services.

The crackdown began after underage sex workers were discovered during a human trafficking raid.

In that operation, officers discovered evidence that groundwater was being stolen so brothels could avoid paying utility bills - as well as a ledger listing bribes to officials.

Environmental experts say the practice is making Bangkok, already a low-lying city, sink.


Suwat Inthasit, deputy commander of Natural Resources and Environment Crime Suppression Division, said: "Today we will examine the water quality of each room we will go inside."

One of the brothels he suspected of illegally using groundwater was the Embassy Entertain massage parlour, which lies in a notoriously seedy district.

Image: More than 40 brothels suspected of stealing groundwater were raided

Experts warn parts of Bangkok will be underwater by 2030 because of rising sea levels and groundwater draining into the capital's swampy soil.

The practice of draining groundwater began when the city went through a period of intense development several decades ago.

In recent years, attempts to regulate groundwater usage has dramatically slowed Bangkok's sinking rate.

At its peak, the capital was sinking at about 10cm a year in the late 1970s.

Image: Experts warn parts of Bangkok will be underwater by 2030

Prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand, however it is widely tolerated and openly practiced.

Brothels are common in many parts of Bangkok - and no attempts are made to cover up their dealings.

Bribes and loopholes keep the industry afloat, with police largely turning a blind eye.

They do step in if underage women or trafficked sex workers are suspected of working in brothels.

It is not uncommon for officials to be implicated in prostitution scandals, but they rarely face prosecution.