Today it has been brought to light that a prominent university student is facing in-depth inquiries from The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) after administering a clandestine group distributing explicit child content. The individual is alleged to have offered explicit content for sale on the Line platform, targeting minors under the age of 18, with the prices varied from 150 to 500 baht (i.e., US$4 to $14).
The case was initiated yesterday by the Technology and Information Case Department of the DSI. The accused was found indulging in the circulation of unlawful child material, which was concurrently made available for purchase on the Line platform.
This investigation erupted in the wake of an incident that transpired on August 14, when the Child Sexual Exploitation Crime Center (CSECC) under the leadership of Yotsan Rungsrangamsiri, provoked a raid which led to the capture of a 19-year-old male student studying in a university located in Pathum Thani. The student was found in possession of staggering 5,000 files of explicit content involving children in school uniforms, ranging from primary to secondary level. The disturbing material was shared on the Line platform according to the reports.
Due to his actions, the DSI prosecuted him under charges of possessing explicit child content for self or other’s sexual gratification, commercial use, or distribution. The offense, as stated in Thai Penal Code, Articles 287/1 and 287/2, and the Computer Crime Act, B.E. 2550 (2007), is liable to face imprisonment stretching from 3-10 years or a fine ranging from 60,000 to 200,000 baht.
The platform involved had a robust user base with substantial monetary circulation. In-depth investigation carried out by the DSI one step further unfolded several links to other individuals who are also alleged to possess explicit child content. The investigation is still under progress.
Considering the gravity of the offense, public awareness is being raised about the illicit possession of explicit child content that can lead to a penalty of 5-7 years in jail or impose a fine up to 140,000 baht. If the content is intended for commercial use or distribution, the guilty party can face 3-10 years of imprisonment or fine ranging from 60,000-200,000 baht under the Thai Penal Code, Articles 287/1 and 287/2.
DSI is encouraging individuals who have information or evidence related to child sexual exploitation or the circulation of explicit child content to come forward and report it to the authorities for further legal action. The reports can be lodged via DSI’s website www.dsi.go.th or through a toll-free nationwide hotline, 1202.
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