A disturbing case in Phetchabun province, where a couple allegedly produced and distributed pornographic videos featuring their own children, has sparked renewed calls for more robust legal and preventative measures from the Thai government. The case, involving a family of 12 in Nam Nao district, came to light in May 2025 and has drawn national concern over child protection gaps.
Authorities have accused the parents of filming and selling explicit videos involving several of their nine children, who range in age from two to 21. While some of the older children may have appeared to cooperate, Thai law criminalises such acts regardless of apparent consent if the individuals involved are under the age of 18. Five children have since been removed from the household and placed under state care.
Associate Professor Auschala Chalayonnavin, dean of the Faculty of Social Administration at Thammasat University, stated that such cases are increasing both in Thailand and globally. She linked this trend partly to economic desperation, noting that some families facing poverty or unemployment may resort to producing sexual content as a source of income.
Speaking to Bangkok Post, Prof Auschala urged the Thai government to develop stronger preventive frameworks. She recommended closer collaboration with international law enforcement agencies and social media platforms to detect and stop the distribution of child sexual abuse material, including through the use of AI-based content monitoring tools.
She also pointed to the United States as an example, where penalties for child pornography offences—especially those involving coercion—can include life imprisonment. In contrast, Thai legislation currently limits such sentencing to cases prosecuted under human trafficking laws and involving organised groups of three or more perpetrators. Whether the Phetchabun case qualifies under these criteria remains under investigation.
Prof Auschala also noted procedural limitations within Thai child protection systems, such as the need for a court order before children can be removed from a harmful environment. This, she said, can lead to delays in safeguarding minors. She further warned parents against posting images of unclothed children on social media, citing the risk that such material may be exploited or misused by paedophiles.
