Thai anti-trafficking police have arrested the 28-year-old manager of a well-known Muay Thai gym in Rayong over allegations that underage male fighters were supplied for paid sexual services. Officers say the youngest alleged victim identified during the operation was 13.
Police are also seeking a Norwegian man said to have financially supported the gym, following allegations that six children were sexually abused by the foreign national.
The arrest was announced on 15 July by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), acting under orders from Pol Lt Gen Natsak Chaowanasa, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Witthaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the ATPD.
The suspect, identified as Naruebeth, whose surname was withheld, was arrested under Criminal Court warrant No. 3772/2569, dated 7 July 2569. He faces a human-trafficking charge involving the improper exploitation of children aged over 15 but under 18 for prostitution, as well as allegations connected to managing a prostitution business.
Undercover inquiry at Rayong gym
Police said investigators had received information that people running a Muay Thai training camp in Rayong were forcing child fighters to provide sexual services to men.
An undercover officer reportedly joined the gym as a student to investigate. Police said the camp had around 30 Thai and foreign male and female fighters, ranging in age from under 18 to 35.
According to police, the manager allegedly said he could arrange child fighters for customers, with prices starting from 2,000 baht.
He allegedly claimed the children involved were troublesome or came from families with problems and wanted money for leisure, and sent photographs through Line before customers made a choice.
Officers said he provided names and photographs of more than 15 fighters allegedly available for sexual services.
At one location, police carried out a controlled operation and rescued three alleged victims aged under 18. At the gym, officers screened 12 children for possible trafficking victim status after finding 15 boys and young people aged 11 to 19 gathered there without parents present.
Norwegian financial backer sought
The 12 children gave broadly similar accounts, police said. They alleged that when a Norwegian man who supported the gym's operating costs visited, a secretary known as "B" would call boys to meet him privately in a reception room.
They alleged sexual abuse, including acts described as swinging, was carried out and photographs and video clips were recorded. The children said payments ranged from 500 to 5,000 baht, with further support allegedly including mobile phones, school uniforms and household expenses for poorer families.
Some children also alleged that the gym owner knew what was happening but did not intervene. Police said some families were aware but did not report the matter because of the financial support received.
A multi-agency team concluded that six children were victims of sexual abuse by the foreign man, police said. Investigators are now expanding the inquiry and trying to locate him.
For foreign parents and guardians considering Muay Thai camps for children in Thailand, the case is a reminder to check safeguarding arrangements, supervision and accommodation before enrolling a young person. The allegations remain under investigation.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
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16 July 2026
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