shield arrow-simple-alt-top arrow-simple-alt-left arrow-simple-alt-right arrow-simple-alt-bottom facebook instagram linkedin medium pinterest rss search-alt twitter video-play arrow-long-right arrow-long-left arrow-long-top arrow-long-bottom arrow-simple-right arrow-simple-left arrow-simple-bottom readio arrow-simple-top speaker-down plus minus cloud hb pin camera globe cart rotate star edit arrow-top arrow-right arrow-left arrow-bottom check search close square speaker-up speaker-mute return play pause love

LIMITED-TIME MATCH: Your loving gift will be matched to pursue justice and support for survivors.

I WANT TO SHOW WOMEN I CARE

American Faces Charges in Thailand for Exploiting Street Children

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND, July 16, 2015

An American man is behind bars and facing charges for exploiting and abusing young teenage boys living on the city’s streets. In Thailand, he faces trafficking and sexual assault charges, and he may face additional charges abroad.

The 56-year-old American man was arrested on Wednesday, July 8, after IJM and local police have been investigating the case for more than six months.

The alleged predator would arrange meetings with boys at bars, buy them meals, drinks and other gifts, then lure them to small hotels to abuse them. A 15-year-old boy bravely reported what was happening to another local NGO that works with children living on streets. (The boy is now safe at a shelter.)

Regional police and IJM coordinated efforts to track the American man and locate other boys who may have been serially abused. A week before the arrest, a 14-year-old boy came forward with a final piece of evidence that secured the case.

On July 7, the operation team—made up of local police, regional police, immigration officers, IJM and two other NGOs—staked out at the suspect’s apartment. The team slept in shifts so they could conduct surveillance throughout the night.

At 11am, they entered the man’s apartment and served the arrest and search warrants. The team carefully documented dozens of pieces of evidence, including children’s toys and incriminating videos. He is now in custody in Thailand awaiting trial.

"[This American man] is dangerous for other children, when we investigated, we heard so much about his behavior. He’s a drug addict, his situation is severe, and he needs treatment,” says IJM Thailand’s Wibunrat Ladaphongpattana, who works with child survivors of sexual violence.

She explains that the road ahead for the survivors will be long. The stigma of shame, particularly against boys, is very strong. This is why IJM will keep following up with the boys as well as the aftercare shelters where they can receive ongoing care and counseling. IJM’s legal team will also support the emerging case and any other legal actions brought against the suspect.

You can be part of protecting children from child sex tourism by choosing to Travel Brave. Download your free Travel Brave kit today.

You might also be interested in…

see more

Newsletter Sign Up

Stay connected to the work! Sign up to get updates straight to your inbox.

Media Contact

We're here to answer your questions. Please fill out the form below and someone from our team will follow up with you soon.

Make an Impact

Your skills, talents, and ideas are a force for change. From birthday parties to polar dips, your fundraising campaign can stop the violence.

Learn More

Thank you for signing up to learn more about starting a fundraiser. We will be in touch soon!

In the meantime, please take a look at our free guide: 25 Tips for the Novice Fundraiser.

Need Help?

Need more information?
We're here to help.
Contact us at events@ijm.ca