PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) arrested a 72-year-old Swiss national in Banglamung, Chonburi, over allegations of sexually abusing his six-year-old daughter and possessing child sexual abuse material. The arrest was carried out on November 11 under Operation “Bitter Choc”, involving Thai authorities, Swiss police, forensic specialists, immigration officials and international child-protection organizations.
The investigation began after ‘Free a Girl USA’ provided information to the DSI about suspected foreign nationals involved in producing, possessing or distributing child sexual abuse material online, as well as sexually exploiting children in Thailand.
Investigators identified the suspect, referred to as Arthur, who has a six-year-old daughter with his Thai wife. The family was living in Pattaya. According to the DSI, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting the girl had been sexually abused repeatedly for more than two years. They also found indications that the suspect had previously been investigated over suspected child sexual abuse in Switzerland, although evidence at the time was insufficient to bring charges.
The DSI further reported that the suspect allegedly possessed child sexual abuse material and had close contacts with other foreign nationals whose behavior raised concerns about possible links to a wider child exploitation network in Pattaya and other provinces. Authorities arrested the suspect outside an international school in Banglamung and searched a property in the district under a court warrant. Officers seized numerous electronic devices and other biological evidence for detailed forensic examination.
The suspect was arrested under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court on charges related to possessing child sexual abuse material for sexual gratification or the benefit of himself or others. He was taken to the DSI for questioning before being transferred to the Criminal Court for detention. Meanwhile, forensic specialists examined the child and assessed her psychological condition. A multidisciplinary team is providing protection and support, with a child forensic interview planned to gather evidence while minimizing further psychological harm.
The DSI said the investigation remains ongoing and urged the public to report suspected child exploitation or the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material through its hotline, 1202. Authorities also stressed the importance of protecting children’s identities and privacy, warning the public not to share photographs, names or personal information that could expose the young victim.
