Nong Khai/Pattaya, Thailand – On June 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM, a joint operation between Nong Khai Provincial Police and Pattaya Immigration Police led to the arrest of a 44-year-old French national, Mr. Autret, at a condominium in Pattaya.
The arrest was executed under a warrant issued by the Nong Khai Provincial Court (No. J.160/2568, dated June 6, 2025) on charges of abducting a minor under 15 years old for indecent purposes and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, regardless of her consent.
The operation was led by Pol. Col. Saksit Boonserm, Superintendent of Nong Khai Provincial Investigation Division, Pol. Lt. Col. Phachara Krisanakal, Deputy Superintendent, and Pol. Col. Napaspong KositSuriyamanee, Superintendent of Chonburi Immigration Office. Autret was apprehended at a condominium room.
The case originated from an earlier investigation by Nong Khai Provincial Police, in collaboration with the Nong Khai Office of Social Development and Human Security, which rescued a 13-year-old girl who had been reportedly detained and forced into prostitution in Nong Khai.
Investigations revealed that the girl had traveled to Nong Khai to visit her mother, who worked at a beer bar. She was then reportedly lured, detained, and coerced into prostitution with foreign nationals. Autret allegedly took the girl to a hotel in central Nong Khai, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her. After her guardians reported the incident, the Nong Khai Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant for Autret.
Following a thorough investigation, Nong Khai police tracked Autret to Pattaya, where he was residing in a Sukhumvit-area condominium. Coordinating with Pattaya Immigration Police, authorities located and arrested him. During the arrest, police read the warrant to Autret, who denied all charges, said he was innocent and stated he would fight the case in court. He was taken to Banglamung Police Station for initial questioning and documentation before being transferred to Nong Khai for further legal proceedings.
Police believe additional individuals may be involved in the trafficking ring that exploited the victim. Nong Khai authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend other suspects involved in the case.
