Thai Police Join International Operation to Tackle Child Abuse Material Online

Pictures courtesy of CIB.

Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), through its Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), has joined forces with five other nations in “Operation Cyber Guardian 5”, in a major crackdown on child sexual abuse material online. The coordinated effort led to the search of 269 locations and the arrest of 544 individuals across 6 countries.

The operation presented on 4 April, was conducted between 20 February and 31 March 2025, involved law enforcement agencies from Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. Each country received intelligence based on artificial intelligence (AI) detection technology that identified individuals suspected of accessing and downloading child pornography.

In Thailand, police executed a targeted search at a residence in Tambon Thayang, Mueang District, Chumphon Province. The suspect, identified as Mr Wanich 41, was found in possession of a large quantity of material. Officers confiscated a computer, router, and multiple external hard drives believed to contain illicit material. The evidence has been submitted to investigators at the TCSD for further legal proceedings.

Thai authorities were alerted to the operation by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), who coordinated the international effort. Following the intelligence tip-off, investigators in Thailand launched an independent probe to verify the suspects before carrying out raids on selected targets.

The Thai segment of the operation was led under the direction of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridech, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau; Pol. Maj. Gen. Athip Phongsivapai, Commander of the TCSD; and Pol. Col. Chitsanupong Waiidee, Superintendent of the TCSD’s Subdivision 3. Operational teams included Pol. Lt. Col. Narongrit Poompuang, Pol. Lt. Col. Chainarong Chomlek, and Pol. Lt. Col. (female) Phapimon Chaikhun, alongside other officers from the same unit.

The suspects are being charged under Section 287/1 of Thailand’s Penal Code, which criminalises possession of child pornography for personal or commercial gain. Offenders face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. If the material is distributed to others, the maximum penalty increases to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 140,000 baht.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to combatting online child exploitation and have encouraged the public to report suspicious activity.

-- 2025-04-05