A Swiss national has been arrested in Phuket after allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in the sea off Patong Beach, police said. Officers are expected to take the suspect to Phuket Provincial Court, for detention proceedings, where they will appose bail. The case was brought to public attention by Paweena Hongsakul, president of the Paweena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, who travelled to Phuket on Tuesday 21 July 2026, to accompany the boy's mother in meetings with senior police and welfare officials. The suspect has not been named publicly. He faces three charges: taking a child aged under 15 from a parent for indecent purposes; raping a child aged under 15; and committing an indecent act against a child aged under 15. Alleged assault followed meeting on beach According to the mother's account, the boy left his mother's workplace at about 2pm on 10 July to walk for exercise on a beach around 500 metres away. He reportedly met the foreign man, who asked to take a selfie, requested his address and added him on Line. The man allegedly persuaded the boy to go swimming at Patong Beach, saying he would teach him to swim in the sea. The mother said the suspect then sexually assaulted the boy in the water, including by digitally penetrating him and touching his genitals. Fearing he might be killed, the boy later returned to his mother in tears after she finished work, she said. She took him for a medical examination and reported the matter to Patong Police Station. The suspect subsequently messaged the boy asking to meet again and sent him the photograph taken earlier, according to the account. The mother replied using her son's account, asking why he had penetrated him and touched his genitals. The man replied: "Did you like it?" and allegedly continued trying to persuade the boy to meet him. She handed the messages to police as evidence. Police seize phone and laptop On 18 July, the mother said her son was stressed and that both feared for their safety because the man had asked for the boy's address. After searching for his name and finding that he held a respected job, she contacted the Paweena Foundation through its Facebook page. Paweena then contacted Phuket provincial police commander Major General Sinlert Sukhum and Patong police chief Colonel Korkrit Khankhuea. The mother gave further evidence on 19 July. Colonel Korkrit reported on 20 July that police had obtained an arrest warrant and detained the suspect. Officers seized a mobile phone and laptop, and said they found photographs of the boy. Protection plans if bail is granted At Tuesday's meeting, Paweena, Major General Sinlert and Colonel Korkrit were joined by officials from Phuket's justice, social development and child-and-family services. They discussed protection and support for the boy should the suspect be released on bail, amid concerns that he could interfere with the case. Paweena said other potential child victims could report abuse to police, the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, or her foundation. The foundation can be contacted on 063-2377327, 098-4788991, 081-8901355, 081-8140244, or hotline 1134. Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? 22 July 2026
View full article
Create an account or sign in to comment