Nakhon ratchasima: The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a foreign teacher who fled after being charged with sexually abusing a 15-year-old student. Police raided the home of the Canadian national, Mr. James, who was wanted on charges of raping a student while teaching, and apprehended him. Evidence collected included numerous pornographic videos and images.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest was executed by the Central Investigation Bureau's Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD), led by Pol. Maj. Chaikrit Tipwongsa, Inspector of Division 1, and Pol. Capt. Ekkarin Thongyod, Deputy Inspector, along with a team of officers. Mr. James, 68, was detained under an arrest warrant issued by the Sikhiu Provincial Court. The charges against him include "rape by coercion or intimidation" and "indecent acts against a person over fifteen years of age." He had escaped after being granted bail.
The request to track down and arrest Mr. James came from Division 1 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) after concerns were raised by the victim's family. The family feared for their safety and doubted justice would be served due to the suspect's temporary release. They sought assistance from The HUG Project, a non-profit organization combating child sexual abuse and trafficking. The project coordinated with ATPD to ensure the suspect's apprehension.
Investigators revealed that the victim, a 15-year-old student named A (pseudonym), attended an international school in Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima. Mr. James, a mathematics teacher, had also been tutoring her at home for over three years. On October 20, 2015, he allegedly took advantage of their time alone to commit the assault. The victim later informed her parents, leading her mother to file a complaint at Pak Chong Police Station. Evidence collected included pornographic material on the suspect's phone.
Following the court's decision to grant bail, Mr. James began selling personal assets, including gold, to fund his escape. He planned to relocate to Prachuap Khiri Khan province to evade capture. However, officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Bureau closely monitored his movements and successfully apprehended him. Mr. James has been brought before the Si Khiew Provincial Court for legal proceedings.