MAURICE PRAILL FROM CHINGFORD AND HAROLD HILL JAILED FOR CHILD RAPE IN THAILAND

In a disturbing case that spans continents, Maurice Praill, a 78-year-old man originally from Harold Hill and associated with Chingford, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for heinous crimes involving child sexual abuse in Thailand. Praill, who earned the chilling nickname 'The Ghost' due to his frightening appearance, was found guilty of abusing two underage girls, with allegations extending over an 18-year period in the Southeast Asian country.

Praill's criminal activities in Thailand have been well-documented, with reports indicating that he had a long history of child sex offences. Despite multiple arrests and court proceedings, he was released on bail several times, raising concerns about the justice system's handling of his case. Local newspapers from Thailand have reported that during the early 1990s, Praill often paid fines at police stations, a euphemism suggesting he was paying off officers and possibly victims to avoid harsher penalties.

His criminal record includes a significant conviction in December 2001, when he was sentenced to 14 years for raping two girls aged 13 and 14. Praill challenged this sentence through the appeal process, which confirmed his conviction but allowed him to continue appealing up to the Supreme Court of Thailand. This lengthy legal process, which lasted eight years, kept him free during much of this time. Meanwhile, Praill, who operated a video rental business called Phoenix Entertainment in Chingford, Essex, was arrested again in 2007 for the alleged rape of two girls aged 11 and nine. However, that case appears to have disappeared from the criminal court system, with no further developments reported.

Most recently, in March of the previous year, Praill was detained in Pattaya following allegations of abusing an eight-year-old boy. He was released on bail once again and is scheduled to appear in court in June for that case. His repeated arrests and the ongoing legal proceedings highlight a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.

Sudarat Sereewat, the director of the FACE (Fight Against Child Exploitation) Foundation and a member of Thailand’s National Child Protection Committee, provided insight into Praill’s notorious reputation. She explained that Praill was nicknamed 'Phi' or 'The Ghost' because of his intimidating appearance. She also revealed that upon his arrival in Thailand, Praill kept a diary—now held by the FACE Foundation—that detailed his attempts to buy schoolchildren as his 'wives.'

According to her, Praill paid small sums—around £2 or £3—for what he called 'my conjugal rights,' and he was known to have used Viagra while prowling locations such as the Royal Garden Centre, Siren Bar, and the 'Made in Thailand' market in Pattaya, where he sought out young girls. His diary entries describe his disturbing interactions, including providing 'lacquer' for young girls and their friends, who sniffed glue in his presence, and his obsessive desire to conquer a 12-year-old girl he later married after she turned 15. The marriage was conducted in a Buddhist ceremony, with her parents employed as household staff and a £1000 dowry paid. However, the union lasted only three months before she left to be with peers her own age.

Sudarat Sereewat expressed her relief at the recent legal developments, stating, 'The Supreme Court decision is good news for children in Thailand and for those fighting to suppress child abuse. Maurice Praill, I feel, should never have been given bail to continue with his abuses and interfere with witnesses, and he had already complained to the Regional Police. Children are now safe from him.' The case underscores the importance of vigilant legal action and international cooperation in combating child exploitation and protecting vulnerable victims across borders.