4-12-2024 (BANGKOK) A British national has been taken into custody in the coastal city of Pattaya following allegations of sexually abusing his Thai stepdaughter, authorities announced Wednesday. The arrest stems from an international investigation triggered by concerning social media content.
The suspect, identified only as Luke by Thai law enforcement, was apprehended at his residential condominium in Na Kluea, Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri province. The arrest was carried out by Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) after receiving intelligence from Britain’s National Crime Agency.
According to ATPD Commander Police Major General Sarut Kwaengsopha, the investigation began when British authorities flagged disturbing social media content allegedly posted by the suspect. The subsequent probe revealed that the victim was the young daughter of the suspect’s Thai partner, with whom he had maintained a two-year relationship.
The alleged abuse occurred when the child was six years old, investigators say. The victim’s mother, who was previously unaware of the situation, expressed shock upon being shown evidence by authorities. She promptly filed formal charges against her British partner.
A Criminal Court warrant, issued on 2 December, lists multiple serious charges against the suspect, including the rape of a minor under 13 years of age and committing indecent acts against a person unable to resist.
