Australian Child Sex Offender Arrested in Thailand’s Khon Kaen

Australian Child Sex Offender Arrested in Thailand’s Khon Kaen

BANGKOK, April 29, 2026 — Thai authorities have arrested an Australian man wanted for child sex offences at a residence in northeastern Thailand, following coordination with Australian law enforcement, officials said.

The suspect, identified only as Richard, was detained on April 28 at a house in Khon Kaen province after a joint operation involving Thai immigration police, the Crime Suppression Division and Tourist Police.

He is listed on Australia’s child sex offender register and was wanted under a warrant issued by Queensland police. Authorities said his alleged offences include sexual abuse of children, possession of child exploitation material and other related crimes.

Australian officials had revoked his passport, but investigators said he had already entered Thailand and was using the country as a long-term hideout.

The arrest followed intelligence-sharing between Thailand’s Immigration Bureau and the Australian Federal Police, which helped locate the suspect.

Thai authorities said the operation forms part of a broader crackdown on transnational crime, particularly offences involving child exploitation and human trafficking.

The suspect remains in custody as legal procedures are underway, with officials expected to coordinate his return to Australia.