UPDATE: Swiss suspect arrested over alleged sexual abuse of 14-year-old at Patong Beach

Phuket police have arrested a Swiss man over the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy at or off Patong Beach, according to reports by the Paweena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women and The Thaiger.

The suspect has not been publicly named. The foundation identified him only by the pseudonym “Mr C”, while The Thaiger reported that police identified him as a Swiss national.

The foundation said police arrested the suspect on 20 July 2026 after collecting evidence in the case. The Thaiger reported that the arrest took place on 21 July. Both reports concern the same investigation involving the boy, identified only as “A”, and police in Patong.

The suspect faces three charges: taking a child aged 15 or under from a parent or guardian for an indecent purpose, having sexual intercourse with a child aged 15 or under, and committing an indecent act against a child aged 15 or under.

The boy allegedly met the man while he was at Patong Beach on 10 July. According to the foundation, the suspect approached him and invited him to swim before the alleged abuse took place. The Thaiger reported that the boy said the man had asked to take a selfie with him, exchanged contact details and asked for his home address before inviting him into the sea.

After returning home, the boy told his mother, who took him for a medical examination and reported the incident to police. The Thaiger said the mother sought help from the Paweena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women on 18 July, saying she was concerned that the suspect knew where the family lived.

The foundation said the suspect later sent messages seeking another meeting with the boy. The boy’s mother responded and handed the messages and other evidence to police. Police also seized a mobile phone and laptop that allegedly contained photographs of the boy, the foundation said. The Thaiger reported that investigators recovered photographs and other information related to the case from the devices.

Foundation chairwoman Paweena Hongsakul travelled to Phuket on 21 July to follow up the case. She met Phuket provincial police chief Sinlert Sukhum, Patong police chief Korakrit Khankrue and officials from agencies involved in protecting and supporting victims.

The meeting focused on measures to protect the boy, including concerns that the suspect could threaten witnesses or interfere with evidence if released on bail, the foundation said. The Thaiger reported that the suspect was taken to Phuket Provincial Court for temporary detention while police continued gathering evidence and that investigators intended to oppose any request for temporary release.