Australian Man Arrested After Five-Month Solo Boat Journey to Evade Sex Crime Monitoring

On April 29, 2025, Deputy Police Commander Pattanasak Bubphasuwan ordered the arrest of Richard, a 57-year-old Australian national, at a residence in Ban Pet Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province. The suspect had his residency revoked, passport cancelled, and was subject to Interpol Green Notice C-218/4-2026 issued on April 9, 2025.

Richard was convicted multiple times by Australian courts between 2007-2021 for child sexual abuse offenses and child exploitation material production, requiring him to register as a sexual offender and report regularly for life. When he fled Australia, Queensland Police issued arrest warrants for breaching parole conditions and revoked his passport. Interpol issued a Green Notice warning member nations that he posed a risk of reoffending, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Authorities discovered Richard had entered Thailand and settled in Khon Kaen Province. After obtaining a court-approved search warrant, officers raided his residence on April 29. During the search, Richard attempted to destroy his laptop, but officers secured electronic evidence including four items for examination.

Under interrogation, Richard confessed that after his release from prison, he was required to report regularly for life. However, after his Thai girlfriend moved back to Thailand about two years ago, he became homesick and illegally departed Australia by sailboat alone through natural channels, taking approximately five months for the journey. He left his boat at a port in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, paying 10,000 baht monthly storage fees.

Authorities detained Richard for prosecution under the Immigration Act 2522 (1979) and related laws.