36-Year-Old Arrested for Serial Sexual Assaults, Posing as Employer Seeking Foreign Maids

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Authorities have apprehended a 36-year-old man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting young women by pretending to be an employer seeking foreign housemaids. Police suspect that there may be additional victims beyond those already identified.

 

The suspect, referred to only as Mr. Panya, was arrested in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi, on September 28, by a specialised team from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Worapol Lertwirayapong. During the arrest, officers seized two mobile phones and a motorcycle used in the commission of the crimes. 
 

 

The arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court, which charged Mr. Panya with multiple serious offenses, including:

 

1. Rape through coercion and violence.

2. Committing indecent acts against a person over the age of 15 through threats and violence.

3. Abduction for indecent purposes using deception and coercion.

 

The investigation began on September 25, 2024, when Mr. Panya contacted a 19-year-old woman from Myanmar, referred to as Ms. Ning. She had posted a job advertisement on Facebook, seeking employment as a maid. Mr. Panya offered her a position with a starting salary of 7,500 THB during a trial period, promising to increase it to 9,000 THB afterward. Believing his offer, Ms. Ning agreed to meet him at a location in Bang Bua Thong, where her relatives dropped her off.

 

Upon arrival, Mr. Panya picked her up on his motorcycle, claiming he would take her to her new job. However, he instead led her to a nearby hotel, falsely stating it was a temporary accommodation. Once inside, he violently assaulted her before abandoning her on the roadside and confiscating her phone to prevent her from seeking help. Following the incident, Ms. Ning reported the assault to the police.

 

Authorities swiftly launched a manhunt and were able to apprehend Mr. Panya. During interrogation, he denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was a consensual transaction for sexual services. However, further investigation revealed a history of similar offenses.

 

In May 2024, Mr. Panya was implicated in a similar case involving a 19-year-old Laotian woman who reported the incident to police. Additionally, there was another case from August 2024 involving a Myanmar woman in Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. At the time of his latest arrest, Mr. Panya was out on bail for previous charges.

 

Law enforcement officials believe that there are likely more victims and are urging anyone affected to come forward as the investigation continues. Authorities are committed to expanding their inquiries to ensure justice for all victims.

 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

-- 2024-09-29