Thai police arrest boxing camp manager in child trafficking case

Thai police said Wednesday they had arrested the manager of a boxing camp on charges of trafficking underage boys for sex, and were searching for a Norwegian national also believed to have been involved.

Police raided the day camp in Rayong province, southeast of Bangkok, on July 7 and took 12 children into protection, the Central Investigation Bureau said in a statement. The bureau said the camp was training about 30 people at the time of the raid.

The 28-year-old manager, identified only as Narubet, was arrested at a separate location on July 7. Police said he had admitted charges of trafficking minors under 18 for sexual exploitation and soliciting sexual services.

According to police, undercover officers posed as clients seeking sexual services from three boys aged 13, 15 and 16. The manager allegedly agreed to arrange the meeting for 3,000 baht, or $89, per child while taking one third of the payment as commission.

Police said the manager claimed the children involved had behavioural problems and came from broken families.

Police are searching for a Norwegian national believed to have sponsored the camp, as well as his secretary. Police identified the sponsor as Mr Kim and said interviews with children indicated that he allegedly paid for amenities in exchange for sexual services. Police said some parents were aware of the arrangement but did not intervene.

Under Thai law, people convicted of human trafficking face up to 15 years in prison for each offence, with harsher penalties for crimes involving minors.