Uthai Thani official accused in autistic woman's rape case

The family of a 20-year-old autistic woman has asked police in Uthai Thani to pursue a case against a local official accused of repeatedly raping her from childhood, including alleged abuse that led to her becoming pregnant at 15.

The woman, referred to only as "Ae", went to police with her mother and grandmother on 18 September 2026. They submitted documents confirming her pregnancy and medical examination records and images, while urging officers to prosecute the man.

Family alleges abuse began during primary school

Ae's relatives say the alleged abuse started while she was in Prathom 5 and 6. At the time, the accused man was a village headman who lived next door.

After Ae's grandfather died, the family hired him to take her to and from school because his own child attended the same school. The family alleges he used that access to rape her after school in a cassava field and in the evenings on school grounds.

They say the man later admitted to Ae's grandmother, while drunk, that he had raped the girl and bought contraceptive pills for her. According to the family, Ae refused to take the pills and spat them out.

Ae became pregnant at 15 and has consistently said she did not consent to the sexual acts, her family said.

Threats and a proposed settlement

Ae's mother, who was working in Bangkok at the time, said the family faced threats after discovering the allegations. She said the man claimed to own three guns, knew the law and had support from the local police station.

He allegedly warned that reporting him would make it impossible for the family to remain in the area. The mother also said that when she telephoned him, he threatened to shoot her in the head.

Fearing his influence, the family initially considered settling the matter. They agreed on compensation of 150,000 baht, but the man allegedly said he had only 30,000 baht.

Ae's mother then asked for one to two rai of land, to provide future security for Ae and her child. After the birth, she took Ae to Bangkok for two years because of safety concerns.

Family now seeks full prosecution

The mother alleges that after Ae returned to Uthai Thani, the man - by then a deputy chief of a subdistrict administrative organisation - continued to harass and molest her, and raped her again despite knowing she was autistic.

The family says it no longer wants any settlement and is asking police to fully pursue the case. Ae's mother has taken her back to Bangkok, where she will remain under close care.

The suspect when questioned by police, denied raping the autistic woman, claiming it was a consensual relationship. Police are preparing to file serious charges and have remanded him in custody, before appearing before a court

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

Join the discussion?

19 September 2026