Thai Police Arrest Fruit Seller for Child Pornography Distribution

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in Nonthaburi recently announced the arrest of Thammasorn, a 32-year-old fruit seller from Chon Buri, accused of distributing child pornography for profit. In a press briefing, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphan revealed details of the investigation, led by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (TICAC), that led to Thammasorn's apprehension.

The investigation uncovered Thammasorn's activities on social media platforms, where he allegedly operated secret groups for illicit content distribution. Using the X application, formerly Twitter, under accounts called Nong Khaimuk (Secret Group) and Kai Whan (Secret Group), Thammasorn advertised access to adult content at discounted rates.

Despite a prior arrest in January for similar offences, Thammasorn was found to have resumed these illegal activities. Once police gathered sufficient evidence, the Chon Buri Provincial Court issued a search warrant on April 25 for Thammasorn's residence in Baan Bueng district, where mobile phones and bank records were seized.

Investigations revealed that Thammasorn created multiple secret groups on the Line app, charging memberships between 100 and 300 baht (US$3 to 9) for access to various pornographic content categories, including family and voyeuristic themes.

Thammasorn reportedly confessed to restarting his operations two months ago, earning around 10,000 baht (US$300) monthly, which he claimed was used to cover legal fees following his previous arrest. He now faces charges for importing pornographic material into computer systems, possessing child pornography for sexual exploitation, and promoting its distribution.

Thammasorn has been taken into custody at Ban Bueng Police Station, where legal proceedings are underway, marking a significant crackdown in the ongoing battle against online child exploitation.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-29