German national alleges bribe for release on pedophilia charge in Thailand

Provincial Police Region 2 launched investigations into allegations against a 55-year-old German national accused of paying a bribe of 1 million baht to secure his release on charges related to pedophilia. The police announcement follows a documentary by Deutsche Welle titled Sex Tourists in Thailand, which highlighted the account of the accused, Jens Kirch. It is worth noting that the documentary is no longer accessible in Thailand.

The documentary delved into Kirch’s encounter with Thai authorities in September 2022. Kirch was apprehended following a raid on a Pattaya nightclub, Cobra Beer Bar. The nightclub was owned by a 60 year old British man, and his 42 year old Thai spouse, both of whom were detained on child trafficking charges. Kirch’s arrest occurred in his Pattaya hotel room on September 24, 2022.

Kirch claimed to have paid approximately 700,000 baht for bail and legal charges, in addition to 1 million baht in cash to officials. He left for Frankfurt seven days post-charge.

In his documentary interview, Kirch admitted to engaging in sexual activities with an underage girl from the bar. He fled Thailand out of fear of unjust treatment by the police. He cited the filing of charges against him in the Thai language as one such instance.

Police Lieutenant General Somprasong Yentuam confirmed yesterday, December 3, that the police are looking into who accepted the bribe. The investigation is expected to conclude within seven days.

Kirch was able to leave Thailand as there were no conditions attached to his bail. In a letter dated November 7 last year, the Pattaya Court permitted Kirch to travel for business reasons, given that he resided in Thailand, had a Thai spouse, and ran a business in the country. He was instructed to report back on November 14, or risk forfeiting his 500,000 baht bail money. However, Kirch failed to honour the bail conditions.

Police forwarded his case to the Pattaya state prosecutor on December 13 last year for further legal action, reported Bangkok Post.

Thanyawat Kamolwongwat, a list MP from the Move Forward Party (MFP), argued that the documentary presented factual information on sex workers, contradicting Thai media’s denial of the presence of prostitutes in Pattaya.

According to Kamolwongwat, the illegality of sex work creates opportunities for authorities to demand bribes. He advocated for the legalisation of sex work as a potential solution, which would also benefit the workers, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, prominent figures within the Bang Pla subdistrict administrative organisation (TAO) have been arrested over allegations of demanding bribes of 2.3 million baht for a land excavation and landfill permit.