Japanese Youth Found Safe in Thailand After Online Gaming Encounter

Japanese
Police Colonel Naoto Watanabe, Japanese Police Attaché, Mr. Sato Tomonori, Second Secretary and Consul, and Mr. Pisit Maiprasert, Assistant Consul, meet with Police General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, National Police Inspector General and Director of the Center for Protection of Children, Women, Family, and Anti-Human Trafficking, to express gratitude for the swift assistance in locating and ensuring the safe return of a Japanese youth to his home country on January 18, 2025.

BANGKOKThai police successfully located a missing Japanese youth and coordinated with the Japanese embassy for his safe return home, bringing relief to his family and the Japanese community.

On January 18, a delegation from the Japanese Embassy in Thailand, led by Police Colonel Naoto Watanabe, Police Attaché, met with Police General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, the National Police Inspector General and Director of the Center for Protection of Children, Women, Family, and Anti-Human Trafficking, to express their gratitude for the swift resolution of the case.

According to Police General Thatchai, the case began when the Japanese Embassy contacted the Royal Thai Police requesting assistance in locating a young Japanese male. Investigation revealed that the youth had developed a friendship with someone through an online game who then persuaded him to travel to Thailand. The young man made the journey without informing his family, who subsequently lost contact with him.

 

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Thai authorities located the missing youth within just one day of receiving the report and promptly coordinated with the Japanese Embassy for his safe return to Japan. This successful operation has helped reinforce confidence in Thailand’s tourist safety measures, particularly following several recent cases involving Chinese nationals who fell victim to scammers, including the high-profile case of Chinese actor Wang Xing.

“This incident serves as a cautionary tale not only for Japanese youth but for Thai young people as well,” Police General Thatchai stated. “We strongly advise children and teenagers to exercise caution when communicating with strangers through online games or social media platforms, as there are individuals who may attempt to exploit them.”

“I urge parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online gaming and social media activities,” he added. “Proper guidance and supervision are essential to prevent dangerous situations that could put their children at risk.”

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