Phuket
Authorities in Phuket are intensifying their investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy by a 55-year-old Swiss national at Patong Beach earlier this month.
At 1:20 p.m. on Tuesday (July 21st), Pavena Hongsakul, president of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, accompanied the victim’s mother to meet with Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum at Phuket Provincial Police Headquarters. Senior officers, justice officials, and child protection representatives joined the meeting to discuss measures to safeguard the boy should the suspect be granted bail.
The incident occurred on July 10th, when the boy, identified under the pseudonym “Boy,” was allegedly approached by the foreign man while exercising along the beach. The suspect allegedly befriended the teenager, persuaded him to swim, and then sexually assaulted him in the water. The boy later confided in his mother, who immediately reported the case to Patong Police.
Following the complaint, police arrested the suspect on charges including:
- Taking a minor under 15 from parental custody for indecent purposes
- Sexual intercourse with a minor under 15
- Committing indecent acts against a minor under 15
Investigators also discovered numerous images of boys on the suspect’s mobile phone, which are now being examined for possible links to other offenses.
The victim’s mother, a beach vendor, has expressed fear for her family’s safety, noting that the suspect had previously asked for their home address. She sought help from the Pavena Foundation after experiencing severe stress and concern that the suspect might retaliate.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert confirmed that the suspect has been remanded in custody at Phuket Provincial Court while police continue gathering evidence, including materials seized from the suspect’s residence. Authorities are coordinating with child protection agencies to ensure the victim receives psychological support and legal assistance. The suspect’s name has not been released at this time as he is reportedly fighting the charges.
