UPDATE: Thai police arrest US man wanted on eight child-sex warrants in Phuket

Thai police arrested Lance Michael Beck, 48, an American national, at a luxury resort in Nai Yang, Sakhu, Thalang, Phuket, on 31 August 2026, after a request from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to locate him over eight US arrest warrants alleging sexual offences against children under 14, Thai Rath reported.

The eight warrants reportedly comprised seven issued in Alabama and one federal warrant. Citing the police account, Thai Rath said the alleged offences included sexual torture, rape, human trafficking, facilitating a child's travel for an unlawful sex act, sexual abuse and incest. Police also alleged that Beck had sexually abused children under 14 and recorded the abuse on video.

The Royal Thai Police said on 27 August 2026 that the FBI had asked Thai authorities to locate Beck and assist with the case. Investigators traced him after establishing that he had entered Thailand through Phuket International Airport, The Thaiger reported. Thai Rath said Beck entered Thailand on 29 August on a tourist visa and was staying at the resort in Nai Yang.

Thai authorities immediately revoked his permission to remain in Thailand after the arrest. Police then transferred him to the Immigration Detention Centre ahead of his return to the United States for legal proceedings, according to The Thaiger.