Swiss National, 72, Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse in Pattaya
Thailand's Department of Special Investigation arrested a 72-year-old Swiss man in Pattaya for sexually abusing his 6-year-old daughter over a two-year period and distributing child sexual abuse material online. The operation, conducted with Swiss police and international child protection groups, seized extensive digital evidence and placed the child in protective custody. The suspect had previously been investigated for similar offenses in Switzerland but avoided prosecution due to insufficient evidence at the time.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) executed Operation "Bitter Choc" to apprehend a 72-year-old Swiss man for sexually abusing his 6-year-old daughter, born to a Thai mother, and distributing child sexual abuse material online. Officers seized extensive digital evidence and moved swiftly to safeguard the child.
On November 11, 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Rakskul, DSI Director-General, received a briefing from Pol. Maj. Gen. Khemchat Prakaihongmani, Director of the Technology and Information Crime Division; Yotsan Ruangsang-ngam, Deputy Director; and Karnika Suksomnil, Director of the Child Sexual Abuse Case Unit, along with investigators, forensic officers, and partner agencies. These included the Institute of Forensic Science, Immigration Bureau, Swiss Police, Free A Girl Foundation, IPA, OUR Rescue, Chonburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, and Chonburi Shelter for Children and Youth. The joint team deployed to Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
The case originated from a request by Free a Girl USA for the DSI to investigate a group of foreigners allegedly collaborating to produce, possess, and distribute child sexual abuse material online, as well as sexually exploiting children in Thailand. The Technology and Information Crime Division, through its Child Sexual Abuse Unit, identified the suspect, Arthur (surname withheld), a Swiss national who fathered a girl, "Elsa" (pseudonym), age 6, with his Thai wife. The child resided in Pattaya City, Chonburi.
Investigators uncovered a pattern of abuse spanning over two years. The suspect frequently took the girl to entertainment venues in Pattaya late at night. The child exhibited sexual behavior inappropriate for her developmental stage. Records showed Arthur had previously been investigated for child sexual abuse in Switzerland, but insufficient evidence prevented prosecution at that time.
Officers gathered evidence of his suspicious activities in Pattaya, linking him to possession of child sexual abuse material and the abuse of his own daughter. They also discovered he maintained close contact with other foreign nationals exhibiting identical behavior in Pattaya and other provinces. These individuals reportedly met at entertainment venues and displayed suspicious conduct, such as taking girls into restrooms for extended periods, prompting staff intervention. This pattern suggested a potential network for child sexual exploitation.
On the same day, the Technology and Information Crime Division, Child Sexual Abuse Unit, and partner agencies coordinated international cooperation before arresting Arthur, 72, Swiss national, under Arrest Warrit No. 6459/2026 issued by the Criminal Court. He is charged with possession of child sexual abuse material for sexual gratification, for himself or others.
