Schoolboys aged 15–17 were tricked into supplying intimate videos for bogus university research, DSI says. Bangkok hotel worker, 26, arrested. DSI investigators seized 5,000 explicit files while one victim reported repeated sexual abuse and threats.
A Bangkok hotel worker, 26, has been arrested over a seven-year sexual exploitation scandal involving teenage schoolboys. Posing as university professors, he allegedly forged academic documents and tricked pupils aged 15–17 into supplying intimate photographs and videos. One victim reported being coerced into repeated sexual encounters disguised as academic research. A DSI raid uncovered more than 5,000 sexually explicit files, including over 3,000 suspected child sexual abuse files. At least four victims have been identified, with more feared. The case is so serious that Justice Ministry Permanent Secretary Piyasiri Wattanawarangkul personally announced the arrest and Operation Black Research on Thursday.
A 26-year-old Bangkok hotel employee has been arrested over a bizarre fake university research scheme targeting teenage schoolboys. Investigators say he impersonated university professors, forged academic documents and persuaded pupils to submit intimate photographs and sexual recordings.
The suspected operation began in 2019, when the man was just 19. Moreover, one victim reported being coerced into repeated sexual activity under the pretence of academic research. A raid on the suspect’s Bangkok condominium uncovered more than 5,000 sexually explicit files. The case prompted a personal announcement by the Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Justice on Thursday, 15 October.
Permanent Secretary Piyasiri Wattanawarangkul led the announcement at the Ministry of Justice in Bangkok. He presented the results of Operation Black Research alongside senior Department of Special Investigation (DSI) officers.
Justice Ministry reveals arrest of Bangkok hotel worker accused of posing as university professors
The briefing followed the arrest of a hotel employee identified only as Bancha, 26. His surname has been withheld. Investigators arrested him on Wednesday, 14 October, at a condominium in Bangkok’s Charoen Nakhon area.
The senior-level announcement reflected the attention being given to the investigation. DSI Director-General Police Lieutenant Colonel Piya Raksakul joined the Permanent Secretary at the briefing.
Also present was Police Lieutenant Colonel Khemachat Prakaihongmani, director of the DSI’s Technology and Information Crime Division. Together, they outlined accusations involving forged university credentials, sexual exploitation and thousands of recovered digital files.
At the centre of the case was a supposed university research project examining sexuality and personal experiences. However, investigators say the academic credentials were fabricated. Bancha allegedly impersonated genuine professors and used counterfeit documents from several universities.
His targets were male secondary school pupils aged between 15 and 17. The teenagers were not university students. Instead, they were persuaded to participate in research supposedly supervised by established academics.
Fake university study targeted schoolboys and led to sexual coercion claims and 5,000 seized files
The deception reportedly began in 2019, when Bancha was approximately 19 years old. Initially, he approached a pupil he knew through a secondary school. The student was invited to complete an online questionnaire concerning sexuality and personal experiences.
Subsequently, the requests became increasingly intrusive. Investigators say the suspect demanded intimate photographs and videos while maintaining the appearance of a genuine academic project.
The operation allegedly went considerably further. One complainant reported being summoned to meetings at various locations, including the suspect’s residence. Bancha reportedly claimed that sexual activity formed part of procedures prescribed by a university professor. The victim described repeated sexual encounters under that pretence. Furthermore, investigators say threats were used to prevent withdrawal from the supposed research.
The scale of the recovered material became clear following the 14 October raid. Officers seized more than 5,000 sexually explicit files from the suspect’s condominium. Of these, more than 3,000 were classified as suspected child sexual abuse material. Another approximately 2,000 files contained adult pornography. In addition, investigators confiscated a laptop computer, two mobile telephones and an iPad.
The number of files immediately became a significant feature of the case. However, investigators have not established that 5,000 separate individuals were involved. At least four complainants have been identified, while enquiries continue into possible additional victims. The DSI has not disclosed how many people appear in the recovered material. Neither has it confirmed whether every file originated from the supposed research project.
Victims’ complaints in 2025 exposed a bogus academic project dating back to 2019, investigators say
The investigation began after international child protection organisation OUR Rescue contacted the DSI in June 2025. The organisation assists victims of human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
Its referral followed complaints from individuals who said they had been deceived by a man named Bancha. According to the information supplied, he had approached pupils from a prestigious secondary school. He then persuaded them to provide intimate material for what he described as university research.
In response, the DSI opened an investigation into the suspect’s activities and communications. Officers traced the reported scheme back to 2019. The earliest known approach involved a pupil acquainted with Bancha through a secondary school.
The suspect invited the student to participate in an online survey. Questions concerned sexuality and personal experiences, supposedly for an academic study. At that stage, the approach was presented as conventional university research.
However, the nature of the requests subsequently changed. Investigators say Bancha began producing documents purporting to originate from several universities. These documents were allegedly forged to convince participants that the project was legitimate.
Meanwhile, he created accounts on the LINE messaging application using the names of genuine university professors. Through those accounts, he reportedly issued instructions while pretending to represent academic staff.
Forged university papers and fake LINE professor accounts persuaded schoolboys to submit intimate files
The impersonation was central to the suspected operation. Pupils were led to believe that recognised university lecturers were supervising the project. Furthermore, the counterfeit paperwork reinforced claims that the research had academic backing.
The DSI has confirmed that the genuine professors whose identities were used knew nothing about the activities. They had not authorised the communications and were not involved in the supposed research.
Nevertheless, their names were allegedly used to persuade pupils to cooperate. Investigators say the suspect subsequently requested nude photographs and sexually explicit videos. Some participants were instructed to record sexual activity and submit the material through LINE. The requests were presented as requirements of the academic project. Meanwhile, the false lecturer accounts maintained the appearance of university supervision.
The use of LINE provided a direct communication channel between the suspect and his targets. According to investigators, instructions were transmitted through accounts impersonating university professors.
The supposed research documents provided further support for those communications. As a result, pupils were reportedly persuaded to provide recordings they believed were required for academic purposes. The DSI has not disclosed the total number of such exchanges.
Victim describes repeated sexual encounters and threats disguised as university research procedures
The investigation also uncovered complaints concerning physical encounters arranged through the supposed research. One victim reported being instructed to attend meetings at several locations. These included the suspect’s residence.
The meetings were presented as necessary for collecting research information. However, the complainant said Bancha subsequently introduced sexual activity as part of the academic procedure.
According to the complaint, the suspect claimed that a university professor had prescribed the activities. The victim reported being persuaded or pressured into sexual intercourse on several occasions.
Furthermore, Bancha allegedly threatened the victim to discourage withdrawal from the project. He also reportedly produced additional documents purporting to come from a university. Investigators are examining these accusations alongside the suspected collection of intimate recordings.
The allegations therefore involve more than the online acquisition of sexually explicit material. They include accusations of coercion during personal encounters arranged under false academic pretences.
However, the DSI has not disclosed how many victims reported direct physical sexual abuse. Nor has it established publicly how many meetings were arranged. The available complaints describe both electronic communications and face-to-face encounters.
Criminal Court warrant follows DSI investigation into forged credentials and sexual exploitation claims
Separately, investigators have withheld the names of the universities whose documents were forged. The genuine lecturers whose identities were misused have also remained unidentified publicly.
Likewise, the secondary school connected to the original complaints has not been named. Officials have confirmed that the victims were male pupils aged between 15 and 17 when targeted. The university connection was part of the suspect’s claimed credentials.
The investigation subsequently became a formal DSI special case, registered as Special Case No. 18/2569. On 2 October 2026, the Criminal Court issued arrest warrant No. 5933/2569 for Bancha.
The warrant followed enquiries into suspected document forgery, sexual exploitation and the collection of intimate recordings. With judicial authorisation secured, investigators prepared Operation Black Research to locate and arrest the suspect.
The operation was directed by DSI Director-General Piya Raksakul and Deputy Director-General Police Lieutenant Colonel Chatupol Bongkochmas. Meanwhile, Khemachat Prakaihongmani led officers from the Technology and Information Crime Division. Personnel from the Special Operations Division and Surveillance and Intelligence Centre provided additional support. Representatives of OUR Rescue also participated in the operation.
Bangkok condominium raid uncovers more than 5,000 explicit files as suspect denies selling recordings
On Wednesday, 14 October, the combined team located Bancha at a condominium in Bangkok’s Charoen Nakhon area. Officers arrested him under the Criminal Court warrant and searched the premises.
The search uncovered thousands of sexually explicit files and several electronic devices. Investigators reported finding more than 3,000 files containing suspected child sexual abuse material. Approximately 2,000 additional files contained adult pornography.
In total, the recovered material exceeded 5,000 files. Officers also seized one laptop, two mobile telephones and an iPad. The equipment was confiscated for examination as part of the criminal investigation. However, the DSI has not released the results of a completed forensic analysis. Investigators are continuing to examine the origin and nature of the recovered material.
The seizure has also raised questions about possible distribution. Bancha has reportedly denied selling the material or obtaining benefits from its circulation. He has also denied working with accomplices. Nevertheless, investigators have not established a commercial motive or confirmed the involvement of an organised network. The DSI has not announced findings proving that the recovered recordings were sold.
Investigators distinguish thousands of seized files from victim numbers as Justice Ministry briefs public
The distinction between the recovered files and identified victims remains important to the investigation. More than 3,000 files were classified as suspected child sexual abuse material.
However, that does not establish the number of children depicted. Multiple recordings could concern the same individual, while other material may have different origins. Consequently, the DSI has not provided a final victim count.
Following his arrest, Bancha was brought before the Criminal Court at 2.45 pm on Wednesday, 14 October. The Justice Ministry announced the operation publicly the following day. Permanent Secretary Piyasiri Wattanawarangkul personally presented the case alongside senior DSI officers. The briefing detailed the alleged deception, complaints of sexual coercion and the evidence recovered during the raid.
The presence of the Permanent Secretary placed the investigation before the ministry’s highest-ranking permanent official.
Notably, the announcement involved both the DSI’s Director-General and its specialist technology crime leadership. Officials also outlined the participation of special operations and intelligence personnel. The investigation had already continued for more than a year following the June 2025 referral.
Detection dog demonstrated as DSI details forgery and coercion accusations against hotel worker
During the press conference, investigators demonstrated the capabilities of Winner, a trained electronic storage detection dog. The animal is trained to locate concealed electronic devices and storage media.
However, the demonstration did not establish that Winner discovered the equipment seized during the condominium search. The presentation formed part of the wider announcement concerning Operation Black Research.
The DSI also disclosed the criminal accusations facing Bancha. These include forging documents and signatures to make counterfeit material appear genuine. Additional accusations concern forging official documents and using counterfeit documents to deceive others.
The alleged university paperwork forms part of these enquiries. Investigators are also examining the reported impersonation of university lecturers through fabricated LINE accounts.
On another front, the suspect faces accusations concerning recordings of sexual offences. These involve the recording and transmission of images or sounds for improper benefit. Further accusations concern indecent acts committed through intimidation or coercion. The investigation also covers taking victims to locations for sexual purposes through deception, threats or other pressure.
Suspect faces child abuse material accusations as DSI examines files and arranges assistance for victims
Additionally, Bancha faces accusations involving possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The offences are being examined under Thailand’s Criminal Code and related legislation.
However, the accusations remain subject to criminal proceedings. No conviction has been reported. The suspect’s denials concerning commercial distribution and accomplices also remain part of the investigation.
The DSI is continuing to examine the recovered recordings and electronic equipment. Investigators are seeking to establish the origins of the material and whether additional victims were involved. At least four complainants have already been identified. Meanwhile, officials believe further individuals may have been targeted through the same supposed academic project.
The Department of Rights and Liberties Protection is also involved in arrangements concerning the victims. Officials are examining assistance and possible compensation under the relevant procedures. In parallel, the DSI is continuing its criminal investigation into the suspect’s communications and recovered files. The findings may determine whether further accusations or suspects emerge.
Six-year gap between first reported deception and complaint referral leaves extent of scheme unresolved
The timeline remains a significant aspect of the case. The reported deception began in 2019, when Bancha was approximately 19. Yet the DSI did not receive the referral from OUR Rescue until June 2025.
That was roughly six years after the suspected activities first began. However, investigators have not established whether the operation continued without interruption throughout that period.
The available information does not establish how frequently the suspect approached pupils. Neither does it disclose how many questionnaires or supposed academic projects he created. Investigators have also withheld details of his relationship with the secondary school.
The earliest reported contact involved a pupil he knew through that institution. However, the DSI has not explained how the acquaintance began.
Nor has it disclosed whether all identified victims attended the same school. The suspect’s academic background also remains unclear. His reported employment was at a hotel, rather than a university.
Investigators have not disclosed whether he possessed genuine academic qualifications. Nevertheless, the DSI has identified forged university documents and fabricated lecturer accounts as central elements of the suspected scheme.
Investigators examine false lecturer identities and reports of abuse dating to suspect’s teenage years
The genuine professors whose identities were misused had no knowledge of the operation. Investigators have not identified any university employee who assisted the suspect.
Similarly, they have not explained how he obtained the lecturers’ names or constructed the counterfeit documents. The investigation therefore remains focused on the suspect’s communications, forged paperwork and the victims’ accounts.
The reported starting date places Bancha in his late teenage years when the suspected deception began. He is now 26. Consequently, the case concerns accusations dating from his late teens into adulthood. However, the precise dates of individual suspected offences have not been made public. The DSI has also withheld identifying information about the victims and their educational institution.
The operation has already produced a substantial collection of digital material. Investigators have also documented the reported misuse of genuine academics’ identities without their knowledge. According to the DSI, those identities were used to persuade secondary school pupils to submit intimate recordings. The complaints further describe sexual encounters arranged under the pretence of university research.
Justice Ministry confirms thousands of seized files as DSI continues enquiries into further victims
One victim reported repeated sexual activity and threats intended to prevent withdrawal from the supposed project. Meanwhile, investigators continue examining whether other pupils experienced similar conduct. The DSI has not established the full number of individuals affected. Nor has it confirmed whether any commercial distribution network existed.
The Justice Ministry’s announcement on 15 October followed more than a year of enquiries after the original referral. Permanent Secretary Piyasiri Wattanawarangkul presented the findings alongside the DSI’s Director-General and senior investigators.
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The briefing confirmed the seizure of more than 5,000 sexually explicit files, including over 3,000 suspected child sexual abuse files.
At least four complainants have been identified, while investigators continue examining the possibility of further victims. Bancha was arrested under Criminal Court warrant No. 5933/2569 and brought before the court on 14 October. He now faces criminal proceedings concerning document forgery, sexual coercion and child sexual abuse material. Operation Black Research remains under investigation by the DSI.
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