SURIN – The family of a 16-year-old autistic girl in Surin Province, who was sexually assaulted at home by a roof repairman, have grown frustrated with the investigation officer at the Muang Leen Police Station. They claim it has been 5 months since the attack, yet the suspect still walks free, often passing the family’s house.
The girl and her family are scared and have asked local officials for help. Relatives said the local police station was empty when they went to report the crime, and they waited a long time before one officer finally arrived. The officer blamed the delay on frequent illness among the staff.
On September 7, 2025, reporters shared details from the girl’s family. They said their niece, who has autism, was raped by a man fixing their roof. The assault took place at the victim’s home on April 20, 2015, around 5:00 PM.
Her family reported the crime to the police the next day at Muang Ling Police Station, and they also took the girl to the hospital for a check-up. Doctors confirmed sexual assault and found semen, but there has been no progress in the case after nearly five months. The attacker is still living nearby and acts as if nothing happened.
Reporters from the Manager Online travelled to Village No. 4 in Ban Krut, Muang Ling Subdistrict, to speak with Ms. Suchada (33), aunt of the 16-year-old victim (referred to as Kanyarat, a pseudonym).
Ms. Suchada said that she left for work as normal on April 20, 2015. She had hired Mr. Pramote, aged 48, to repair the roof. Meanwhile, Ms. Somjai, aged 61, who usually watched over Kanyarat, went out to shop for groceries. This left Mr. Pramote working on the roof and Kanyarat alone inside.
When Ms. Suchada got home around 5:00 PM, she found her niece sitting alone near the kitchen. The girl’s trousers had been taken off, her bra was up, and there was semen present on her body.
The following morning, April 21, the family took her to file a complaint at the police station, and she was examined again at the hospital. Medical staff confirmed she had been assaulted. The results were sent to the police in April, but authorities have not moved the case forward.
The suspect still hangs around the local area, walking past the house without shame. The family is left anxious and afraid every day. They are asking officials and local police to move forward and prosecute the attacker quickly.
Later, family members and reporters checked the Muang Ling Police Station to ask about the case. No police officers could be found at first. After waiting, one officer arrived and tried to reach the lead investigator, but that person was not present because of illness.
Relatives and reporters asked why, despite solid evidence and knowing who the attacker is, the case was stalled. Police explained that the delay was because the lead investigator was often absent due to health problems.
The station promises to move quickly, as the case is already several months old. They said all sides will be treated fairly. The family is asked to let the police know about any threats or suspicious behaviour right away.
