A 26-year-old Thai bar host has been arrested after a 35-year-old British woman was allegedly raped and seriously assaulted in a hotel room in Phitsanulok, leaving her with a brain bleed.
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Police said Phattharaphon Wongbuangam was arrested on Saturday 4 July 2026, following an investigation into the alleged attack, which took place at the U-Thong Hotel in the early hours of June 6. Officers have charged him with physical assault, causing grievous bodily harm and rape.
According to investigators, the suspect and the British woman checked into the hotel room together during the early hours of June 6. Police allege the man attacked the woman after she rejected his sexual advances.
The woman reportedly suffered serious injuries while attempting to defend herself before reaching the hotel reception to seek help. Staff immediately contacted police and medics after finding her bleeding, with visible bruising including a black eye.
She was taken to Bangkok Hospital Phitsanulok, where she underwent surgery for a brain bleed. Police said the suspect fled the hotel before officers arrived.
Investigators launched a manhunt after learning the suspect had travelled to Bangkok. Police identified him through CCTV footage and tracked his movements across several provinces before arresting him at about 10.30pm on Saturday as he got off a bus in Phitsanulok. Officers said he was wearing the same clothes he had worn on the night of the alleged assault.
Police Captain Chananan Chaikawin of Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station said the British woman had arrived in Thailand on October 19, 2025, on a work visa valid until October 19, 2026. He said she was working as an elephant caretaker at the Sappraiwan Elephant Resort rather than travelling as a tourist.
“The complainant came to Thailand not for tourism, but to work,” the police chief said. “She works as an elephant caretaker at the Sappraiwan Elephant Resort.”
He added: “The suspect did not use a weapon but forcefully punched and kicked the complainant.”
The woman has since been discharged from hospital but remains under medical observation. Police said the suspect has been remanded in prison while legal proceedings continue.
The Sun reported that The British Embassy has been notified of the case. Authorities said an interpreter will assist the alleged victim’s relatives during the police investigation and legal process.
Picture courtesy of The Sun
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Adapted by ASEAN Now The-Sun 8 July 2026
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