Thai Police Bust Child Exploitation Ring at Rayong Boxing Camp

CHUMPHON — Thailand's Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) arrested a 28-year-old man known as "Check" on 15 July 2026 under a Criminal Court warrant issued 7 July on charges of human trafficking for sexual exploitation of minors aged 15–18 and operating a prostitution-related business at a Muay Thai camp in Rayong province.

The ATPD, working with a multidisciplinary child rescue team and provincial social development officials, launched an undercover operation after receiving intelligence that minors at the camp were being exploited for commercial sexual purposes. Officers posing as prospective students found approximately 30 boxers, both male and female, ranging from under 18 to 35 years old, including Thai and foreign nationals.

During the sting, the suspect allegedly told undercover officers he could arrange minors for sexual services, claiming the children came from troubled backgrounds and needed money. He showed photographs and discussed prices, ultimately agreeing to provide three boys, aged 16, 15, and 13, at 3,000 baht each, with 1,000 baht for himself and 2,000 baht per child.

Officers arrested Check after he brought the three alleged victims to a resort in Chon Buri province; he later confessed during questioning. In a concurrent search of the boxing camp, investigators found 15 boys aged 11–19 without parental supervision. During interviews with child protection specialists, several children alleged that a Norwegian national using the alias "Mr. Kim" had financially supported the camp and was regularly given access to boys living there. Investigators are expanding their search to locate the Norwegian national and determine the full extent of exploitation at the facility.