Bangkok Police Find Discrepancies in Australian Woman’s Rape Statement

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BANGKOK – Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sanit Mahathavorn has told Thai Media that the 21-year-old Australian tourist was mistaken when she said she was raped by a tuk-tuk driver at a parking lot in Bangkok.

Police on Monday discovered that CCTV footage identified a suspect, whom the police had confirmed was not driving a tuk-tuk but a motorcycle.

The Police Commissioner said it would take up to two days to confirm the suspect’s identity and the vehicle used because the footage was not clear, adding that forensic results and the victim’s physical examination report would be sent to police today.

According to Bangkok Biz News, Pol. Col. Thanawat Taraka an investigator in the case, said it was “unlikely” that the 21-year-old tourist, was sexually assaulted, reasoning that there was simply not enough time for the incident to take place, based on the time she was last seen on CCTV cameras.

The alleged attack occurred in front of a deserted building in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district on Monday last week.

Police are waiting for forensic test results from Siriraj Hospital relating to the rape claim, Seksit said, adding that police had gathered evidence including CCTV footage from Khao San Road to the crime scene and had interviewed two tuk-tuk drivers as well as 10 other witnesses.

In her police complaint, the Australian woman said she had flagged a tuk-tuk for a ride after drinking heavily, and then she was brought to a secluded spot and attacked by two men.

The initial investigation reportedly uncovered evidence that contradicted her testimony so police summoned her to ask additional questions.

The 21 year-old Australian woman who is presently in Koh Samui and is scheduled to return home to Australia on December 19th, police wanted to clarify the case and ensure justice prior to her departure

The Police Commissioner said that the Police are moving fast with the investigation as it affects the reputation of Thailand.

Source: The Nation | Bangkok Biz News