Bangkok police rescue 12-year-old abducted via Free Fire

Bangkok police rescue 12-year-old abducted via Free Fire

BANGKOK, Feb. 2, 2026 — Thai police said they have rescued a 12-year-old girl in Bangkok who was abducted by a man she met through the mobile game Free Fire, underscoring risks linked to online grooming.

Police said the suspect, 26-year-old Norraphat Mingsomboon, allegedly groomed the girl through in-game chats before taking her from her school. The child was reported missing on Jan. 24 and found four days later at the suspect’s condominium about 15 km from her home, officers said.

Norraphat was arrested at the scene. Police said the girl was examined and later reunited with her parents. Investigators cited digital evidence, including security camera footage and chat records, that led them to the suspect.

The suspect has been charged with kidnapping a child under 15, an offence punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine, police said, adding the investigation is ongoing.