72-year-old Swiss man arrested over abuse of his 6-year-old daughter and possession of child abuse material

CHONBURI — 11 November 2026, A 72-year-old Swiss man was arrested by Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on a charge of possessing child sexual abuse material. The DSI said it is also investigating suspected sexual abuse of his 6-year-old daughter, and that officers seized a large amount of electronic equipment.

DSI Director-General Pol. Cap. Piya Raksakul received a report on the operation, codenamed “Bitter Choc”, from senior officials of the DSI Technology and Information Crime Division. The report came from Pol. Cap. Khemachart Prakaihongmanee, the division’s director, Yossan Ruangsanguamsiri, its deputy director, and Kannika Suksomnil, director of its Child Sexual Abuse Section.

Officers from the DSI Surveillance and Intelligence Centre carried out the operation in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, with several agencies. They were the Central Institute of Forensic Science, the Immigration Bureau, Swiss police, Free A Girl, the International Police Association (IPA), OUR Rescue Foundation, the Chonburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, and the Chonburi children and youth shelter.

DSI uncovers suspected child exploitation network

The DSI said the case began when Free a Girl USA asked it to prosecute a group of foreign nationals suspected of producing, possessing or distributing child sexual abuse material online, and of sexually abusing or exploiting children in Thailand.

According to the DSI, investigators found that the suspect, identified only as Arthur, has a daughter with his Thai wife. The girl, given the alias Elsa, is 6 years old. The DSI said he regularly took her to nightlife venues in Pattaya at night.

The DSI said its investigation found indications that she had been sexually abused continuously for more than two years, and that she showed behavior not consistent with her age. It also said Swiss authorities had previously examined him over suspected child sexual abuse, but there was not enough evidence to bring a case at the time.

Investigators also found material linked to possession of child sexual abuse material, and that he was in close contact with other foreign nationals suspected of similar conduct in Pattaya and several other provinces.

The DSI said members of the group often met at entertainment venues. Staff at the venues reportedly became suspicious when girls were taken into toilets and stayed there for an unusually long time and had to go in and call them out several times. This pointed to a possible link to a network sexually exploiting children but did not say this had been established.

Swiss suspect arrested as DSI seizes digital evidence

Later on 11 November, the DSI arrested the man under Criminal Court arrest warrant. The charge is possessing child sexual abuse material for the sexual gratification of himself or others, under the Criminal Code and the Special Case Investigation Act of 2004, as amended.

He was arrested outside an international school in Bang Lamung. Officers then searched a house in the district under a Pattaya Provincial Court warrant. They found many electronic devices and other biological evidence, which will go to a laboratory for in-depth forensic examination.

The DSI took him in for further questioning and then sent him to the Criminal Court for pretrial detention. The DSI did not say whether he has responded to the allegations or entered a plea.

DSI prioritises child protection and urges public vigilance

Officers from the Central Institute of Forensic Science have carried out a physical examination and psychological assessment of the girl. They will gather scientific evidence and witness accounts for the legal process.

Finally, The DSI urged the public to check the background and behavior of people who get close to children or are trusted to care for them, and to watch for changes in a child’s body, emotions and behavior. It also advised giving children a safe way to speak up and avoiding leaving them alone with people who behave suspiciously.