Thai police arrest suspect in child exploitation case

2026-02-19 - 07:23

YASOTHON — Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a 23-year-old suspect accused of human trafficking and producing child sexual abuse material involving two boys, officers said. The arrest was carried out by the CIB’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division under warrants issued by the Yasothon Provincial Court. Police said the suspect was detained at a petrol station in Muang district, Yasothon province. Investigators traced the case to an account on the social media platform X that allegedly distributed explicit material involving minors and invited users to join a private messaging group in exchange for payment. Authorities said the group had more than 100 members. Officers, working with provincial social development officials, identified and assisted two boys aged 13 and 15 who were believed to be victims in the case. According to police, the suspect allegedly befriended the boys separately, contacted them through online applications and approached them at a local village festival before arranging meetings. The suspect is accused of committing offences against the minors and recording material for distribution in a private group. The case has been forwarded to investigators in Division 3 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division for further legal proceedings. Police said the suspect has confessed to the charges. The operation was conducted under the supervision of senior CIB officers, including Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, deputy national police chief, and Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanasai, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau.