Beware! Homosexual predators are cruising computer-gaming cafes for prey. A teenager sexually assaulted a boy earlier this month.

The suspect is a member of a Chinese-opera troupe.

Police are concerned about the safety of boys and are warning parents to be careful.

Ramathibodi Hospital doctor Adisak Plitponkarnpim confirms the teenager was "violated". He says a 17-year-old was arrested on April 10 while at the same cafe, shortly after assaulting another victim in the toilet of a shrine in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district.

The 17-year-old admitted to sexual-abuse charges and is being held in a juvenile detention centre.

"We request that he be tested for HIV/Aids," Adisak says.

The victims are being treated with anti-retroviral drugs to lower the risk of contracting the virus.

Parents' role

Adisak warns parents to take note and be "aware homosexual teenagers are prowling gaming cafes".

Adisak says cafe operators must protect the welfare of children.

Police Children, Juveniles and Women Centre superintendent Thirasak Suriwong says owners of locations where attacks take place risk arrest, too. Fines have proved too small to deter offenders. "We hope owners of authorised gaming cafes will comply with the law. They must ensure the safety of children," he says.