Soldier Faces Military Court After Sexual Assault of Teen During Songkran

BANGKOK – The vibrant celebrations of the Songkran festival on Bangkok’s famous Khao San Road have been overshadowed by a disturbing criminal investigation of a Thai soldier. A 15-year-old girl was reportedly sexually assaulted in a restroom during the height of the water festivities, leading to the arrest of a 20-year-old private soldier.

The incident has sparked public outcry and raised urgent questions about safety during major public events. As the legal process moves to the military court, the victim’s family is calling for swift justice while struggling to cope with the emotional aftermath.

The alleged assault took place in the early hours of April 15, 2026, around 12:30 AM. According to reports from the Chana Songkhram Police Station, the victim—a Grade 10 student identified as Ms. A—was celebrating the Thai New Year when she was approached by the suspect.

Investigators state the incident occurred inside a temporary restroom located on Tani Road, near a local hotel in the Talat Yot subdistrict. While surveillance footage showed the two walking together shortly before the event, the victim has provided a firm statement to a multidisciplinary team, asserting that she did not consent to any sexual acts and was subjected to physical force.

Soldier Faces Military Action

The suspect has been identified as Private Phasit Gomahi, a 20-year-old soldier attached to the 1st Army Area of the Royal Thai Army. Following a report made by the victim’s older brother, the military unit cooperated with local authorities.

Police Lieutenant Chayut Tangkhunsombat, the lead investigator on the case, confirmed the following legal steps:

Surrender and Custody: The suspect confessed to his commanding officer and is scheduled to be handed over to police investigators on April 18.
Formal Charges: The soldier faces several serious charges, including child abduction (as the victim is under 18), rape, and unlawful detention.
Military Court: Due to his status as an active-duty soldier, the case will be handled by the military court. Police have indicated they will oppose bail, citing the gravity of the crime.

A Family in Crisis

The victim’s father shared the devastating impact the event had had on their home. He noted that his daughter, who was preparing to start her high school years, has shown severe signs of depression since the night of the attack.

“We have to take turns watching her constantly,” the father told reporters, expressing deep concern that the trauma might lead to self-harm. He took leave from his job to support her during the five-hour questioning session with psychologists and social workers, demanding that the perpetrator receive the maximum penalty allowed by law.

The case was brought to light with the help of the “Sai Mai Must Survive” community page, a well-known advocacy group in Thailand that assists victims of injustice. This incident has reignited debates regarding the safety of minors during large-scale festivals like Songkran, where crowded environments can unfortunately become breeding grounds for predatory behavior.

Authorities are urging festival-goers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. For this family, however, the focus remains on recovery and ensuring that the legal system holds the offender accountable.