Thai police arrest American teacher on suspicion of molesting boys
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Police raided the apartment of an American who teaches English in Thailand on Tuesday, arresting him on suspicion of sexually molesting boys and illegally separating them from their families, officials said.
Following an investigation, police went to the 56-year-old New Yorker's Bangkok residence. They found two boys, ages 15 and 16, in his bedroom, said police Col. Surat Udomratsami. The officers also seized several pictures of the suspect allegedly having sex with the teens, Surat said.
The maximum penalty for molestation and illegally separating children from the families is 10 years imprisonment, Surat said.
The American has lived in Thailand for more than six years, teaching at a public school. Police began investigating him after receiving complaints from the two boys' parents and a neighbor who was suspicious of his activities, Surat said.
The American is in police custody pending charges in criminal court. He was expected to appear in court within two weeks.
Thailand has long been considered a haven for pedophiles due to a reputation for lax law enforcement. The government in recent years has stepped up efforts to crack down on sexual abuse of children, but the problem remains.-AP
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