Foreign suspect arrested over alleged sexual abuse of 14-year-old at Patong Beach

Phuket police have arrested a foreign man over the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy at Patong Beach and filed three charges, according to the Paweena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women.

Police arrested the suspect, identified only as “Mr C”, on 20 July 2026 after collecting evidence in the case. They also seized a mobile phone and laptop that allegedly contained photographs of the boy, the foundation said.

The charges are 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, identified by the source only as “A”, allegedly encountered the suspect while exercising at Patong Beach on 10 July. The suspect allegedly invited him to swim before the alleged abuse took place. After returning home, the boy told his mother, who took him for a medical examination and reported the incident to police.

The foundation said the suspect later sent messages to the boy seeking another meeting. The boy’s mother responded and handed the messages and other evidence to police.

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.