8-7-2023 (BANGKOK) A 28-year-old man has been apprehended on child pornography charges after police raided his properties in Chiang Mai and Udon Thani provinces, discovering over 30 pornographic websites operating under his control.
Chaiyaphat Junapong was arrested by police in San Pa Tong district of Chiang Mai on Friday, following a warrant issued by Pol Maj Gen Athip Wongsiwaphai, commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD).
The arrest came as a result of a tip-off from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), who alerted Thai authorities to the presence of networks of pornographic websites believed to be operating from within the country.
According to Pol Maj Gen Athip, many offenders engage in the distribution of pornographic material through websites and social media, falsely claiming that they feature well-known actresses and internet idols in order to attract viewers. This deceit causes significant harm to those wrongly implicated.
Furthermore, TCSD investigators have discovered that numerous children and young individuals have fallen victim to those involved in the production and distribution of child pornography for online consumption.
The investigation into the matter revealed that Chaiyaphat was a member of a major child pornography network, operating from his residences in Chiang Mai and Udon Thani. Subsequently, court warrants were obtained to search both locations.
During the raid at the Chiang Mai property, law enforcement seized a computer and two mobile phones. Upon examining these devices, officers discovered over 10,000 pornographic images and videos that had been uploaded.
At the suspect’s house in Muang district of Udon Thani, authorities found multiple computers and documents outlining marketing plans for pornographic websites. Eight employees were present at the time of the raid, according to Pol Maj Gen Athip.
Chaiyaphat is now facing charges related to the production and distribution of child pornography for commercial purposes, the storage of such materials within a computer system, and the possession of child pornography for personal gain.
During questioning, the accused denied all charges and expressed his intention to present his statement exclusively before the court.
Chaiyaphat is currently in police custody as legal proceedings move forward.
