Thailand warning raised over child exploitation claims

A UK criminal defence solicitor has raised concerns about alleged online material and Thailand-based arrangements that he says can enable the sexual exploitation of children.

Marcus Johnstone, managing director of PCD Solicitors, made the claims in comments published on Saturday, 5 September 2026. He said he had seen an "exponential growth" in men accused of sexual offences, although no supporting figures were provided.

Solicitor cites websites and arranged trips

Johnstone, who specialises in defending people accused of sexual offences, said there was an increasing number of websites and videos explaining where people could go in Thailand to access prostitutes.

He also alleged that men were making money by arranging "holidays" to Thailand that gave visiting men access to "young girls".

He said some men sought private apartment accommodation rather than hotels, claiming this allowed prostitutes to come and go without scrutiny. According to Johnstone, the lack of monitoring in such settings could allow offenders easier access to children.

"The gangs can make more money from prostituting children. More children are being trafficked to cater for the demand. The men will pay more. The 'travel agent' based in Thailand will earn more," he said.

The comments are Johnstone's assessment, rather than findings from Thai authorities or a reported criminal case. They should not be read as suggesting that ordinary apartment rentals, hotels or visitors are connected to criminal activity.

Internet access and blackmail concerns

Johnstone said the internet gave people immediate access to pornography, and claimed some men sought "barely legal" material. He said Thai girls could be perceived as younger than they are.

"Online porn becomes an addiction to many men who contact me," he said, comparing progression towards illegal material with drug addiction.

He said this could begin with illegal images and develop into online communications or efforts to arrange meetings with children for sex. Johnstone said he had represented many men accused of such communications, with "devastating outcomes for all involved".

He also warned that men attempting to contact children could themselves be blackmailed by criminal gangs controlling victims after identifying them.

Picture courtesy of Daily Express

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7 September 2026

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