KHON KAEN, Thailand
Thai police arrested a 57-year-old Australian man publicly identified as Richard Carl Skrinjar on April 28th, 2026, in a house in the Ban Ped subdistrict of Khon Kaen province. The suspect, a registered child sex offender on lifetime probation in Australia, had evaded supervision by sailing alone across the ocean for approximately five months to reunite with his Thai partner.
According to Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers, working with immigration police, Skrinjar was the subject of an INTERPOL Green Notice (No. C-218/4-2026) issued after Australian authorities cancelled his passport and revoked his permission to remain in Thailand. He faced charges in Australia related to breaches of probation conditions for prior child sexual offences, including production of child abuse material.
During questioning, Skrinjar reportedly told authorities that his Thai partner had returned to Thailand about two years earlier. Unable to travel legally, he departed Australia secretly by small boat, navigating alone for around five months before arriving at a port in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. He claimed to have left the vessel at a marina for a monthly fee of about 10,000 baht.
Police seized electronic devices, including a laptop that Skrinjar allegedly attempted to damage during the raid. Thai authorities are investigating his full route, any potential accomplices, and immigration violations. He remains in custody pending further legal proceedings, including likely deportation to Australia.
This case shows ongoing concerns about transnational movement by registered sex offenders, particularly in Southeast Asia. Skrinjar had previously attempted to flee Australia by boat toward Papua New Guinea in early 2024 with intentions to reach Thailand, leading to his interception at the time.
Thai media and commentators have described the incident as a “very dangerous sign,” noting the extreme lengths taken to bypass restrictions as indicative of poor impulse control often associated with repeat offenders. Thailand maintains a “Zero Tolerance” policy toward transnational criminals and child sex offenders under initiatives involving close cooperation with the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Authorities urge vigilance and continued international teamwork to monitor and apprehend individuals who pose risks to vulnerable populations.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
