Thailand: Two French nationals arrested for child sex crimes and drug trafficking

Border police have arrested two French nationals in connection with two separate serious criminal cases.

The first involves a man who allegedly lured Thai women to facilitate child abuse, while the second is a suspected drug trafficker who was on the run from French justice.

Frenchman accused of pedophilia

Police arrest a 40-year-old French national suspected of child sexual abuse in Bangkok on July 25, 2025.

Immigration Bureau No. 1 investigated a tip from a TikTok critic who reported the suspicious behavior of a 40-year-old French national, Jean André, suspected of sexually abusing children.

The suspect allegedly used popular dating apps in Thailand to target Thai women, particularly single mothers with young daughters.

After establishing relationships, he arranged meetings in luxury apartments in Bangkok and Pattaya.

During these meetings, Jean André allegedly took advantage of the mothers' absence to sexually abuse the children, undressing them, photographing and filming them, and then saving the images on private applications installed on his devices.

Several victims have been identified.

Arrest and Evidence

Following information regarding the suspect's location, officers conducted surveillance and arrested Jean André, who was not in possession of valid identity documents.

A search of his home uncovered two mobile phones containing hundreds of files showing images of sexual abuse of girls aged 6 to 13, including Thai and foreign children.

Biometric checks revealed that Jean André entered Thailand in 2022 but had been staying in the country illegally since his visa expired.

Jean Andre was charged with possession of child pornography for sexual purposes and illegal residence.

He was transferred to Thonglor Police Station and denied bail as he is considered a serious threat to public safety, without a valid visa or permanent address.

Investigators have identified some of the victims in the videos and are expanding the investigation to determine whether other people participated in the victims' prostitution or if there are other accomplices.

Frenchman accused of drug trafficking

Thai border police arrest a 22-year-old French fugitive, a member of a drug trafficking gang wanted by French authorities, in Phuket on July 25, 2025.

The Royal Thai Police and Immigration Services were coordinated by the French Embassy regarding a French national wanted by French authorities for possession and illicit trafficking of narcotics.

Thai police arrested the 22-year-old fugitive, a key member of a drug trafficking gang, in Phuket on July 25, 2025.

The suspect, Mr. Bachir, had fled to Phuket province to escape authorities.

Upon his arrest, Bachir confessed to serving as a drug courier, smuggling narcotics to clients in France.

The police are now coordinating their efforts with the French embassy to proceed with the extradition under the bilateral treaty on the transfer of suspects.

These two cases highlight Thailand's ongoing efforts to combat international crime involving foreign nationals and protect vulnerable victims.

See also:

Thailand: Frenchman arrested in Pattaya for rape of minor in Nong Khai

Thailand: Frenchman arrested for explicit videos with Thai women

Shock in Thailand: Husky buried alive by Frenchman in Phuket

Frenchman arrested in Thailand for drug trafficking and weapons possession

Source: Khaosod English