Three boys aged between eight and 12 have sexually assaulted a seven-year-old girl after watching pornography at an Internet cafe.

Thammasala police arrested the boys at a housing estate in Thawee Watthana. Their parents were taken for questioning, too.

The victim's parents complain their daughter was assaulted on April 17. They assert she was raped, and an examination confirms she has had sexual intercourse. Police are considering charges ranging from gang rape to taking a minor for a lewd act.

Inspector Major Phuwadol Niamsri says the boys admitted to the acts and say they copied what they saw older boys watching on a computer. They had been at the cafe to play games.

Play in the bush

The eight-year-old says he asked the girl to come and "play" with him at a wooded area behind the housing estate. He says they did this "two or three times". On the day of the alleged assault, the boy invited other friends. He showed them what he and the girl had been doing. One refused to participate and told the girl's mother.

Meanwhile, following news in Daily Xpress that a seven-year-old boy was recently the victim of a sexual assault at a Phra Nakhon computer shop, concerned citizens are demanding action.

The Family Network insists the police and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration impose measures to protect children frequenting shops.

Network wants restriction

They want children restricted to no more than three hours a day at cafes, children under 15 banned after 8pm and under 18s after 10pm.

All Internet shops must be registered, they say, and city officials and police must regularly inspect them. They want shop-owners to "ensure a safe and appropriate environment".

Bangkok Deputy Governor Putthipong Punnakan says there are 10,000 computer "shops" open during the holidays, some temporary establishments taking advantage of the school-break business.

Six months ago there were just 4,000 such shops, and just 1,000 were registered, he says. The city must approach police to close unregistered cafes.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung will discuss unregistered Internet shops and those open beyond legal hours with provincial authorities and city police chiefs.