A Norwegian man accused by child boxers of sexual abuse at a boxing gym in Rayong reportedly died from cancer one day before Central Investigation Bureau officers searched the premises.
The 80-year-old, identified only as Kim, was named by children interviewed after police arrested the 28-year-old son of the gym owner, in Chon Buri on July 15. The investigation into alleged child prostitution and abuse at the gym remains ongoing.
Arrest followed undercover operation
Police said suspect was arrested at a resort in Chon Buri on allegations that he procured child boxers for prostitution. The arrest followed an undercover operation in which an officer posed as someone interested in becoming a boxing student.
The officer questioned the suspect about alleged sexual services, then arranged to buy those services and set up a meeting involving the suspect and several boys at the resort, where he was arrested.
Investigators subsequently searched the Rayong boxing gym and interviewed 15 child boxers. According to the children's accounts, Kim was involved in the alleged abuse.
The children claimed the Norwegian man sexually abused young boxers and paid them between 500 and 5,000 baht. Several also alleged that he financially supported the gym and provided money to some of the children and their families.
Long-standing financial support alleged
Channel 7 reported that the gym owner met Kim around 10 years ago at a boxing competition in Pattaya. The broadcaster said the Norwegian subsequently became a major financial backer of the gym.
Investigators later learned from local residents that Kim had died of cancer the day before the police raid, Channel 7 reported.
For foreign residents and visitors using boxing gyms or arranging training for children in Thailand, the case is a reminder that the current police inquiry concerns alleged criminal activity at one specific Rayong gym. Authorities have not announced further arrests or named additional suspects.
Claims over possible motive unconfirmed
Channel 7 also spoke to a man named Wa, who said he had been close to Kim. Wa claimed he did not believe the suspect was involved in the alleged child prostitution ring, instead accusing another person linked to the gym, identified as Tar.
Wa further alleged that Kim and the suspect had a difficult relationship. He claimed Tar regularly brought child boxers to visit Kim, including during the final stages of the Norwegian man's illness in Pattaya.
He suggested that financial disputes may have led Tar to report the matter to police and shift blame towards the suspect. Police have not confirmed those claims.
Channel 7 reported that a Thai woman, Thippawan, worked closely with Kim and managed his financial affairs. Attempts by the broadcaster to contact her for comment were unsuccessful.
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18 July 2026
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