Thai Olympic Boxing Gold Winner Jailed for Attempted Sexual Assault

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Thailand's celebrated Olympic hero, Somluck Kamsing, has been sentenced to over three years in prison for his involvement in an attempted rape case of a teenage girl. Once hailed as Thailand's first Olympic gold medallist, Somluck now finds himself embroiled in legal battles following his conviction at Khon Kaen provincial court, adding a grim chapter to his storied life.

 

The court's decision came with grave accusations. Somluck, now 52, was embroiled in a legal case after a 17-year-old girl accused him of attempted rape following an encounter in December 2023.

 

The incident reportedly began at a night spot in Khon Kaen, northwest Thailand, and escalated in a local hotel room. The court found the teenager's account credible, noting evidence of physical bruising consistent with her claims.

 

Despite Somluck's defence—where he claimed a misunderstanding, alleging consensual interaction—the court was unmoved. It rejected his explanation, highlighting the inadequate basis for any consensual agreement, given the victim's age and lack of consent.

 

Further undermining his defence, the court noted the absence of any monetary exchange, thus dismissing any notion of intended prostitution.

The ruling resulted in a sentence of three years, one month, and 10 days in prison. However, Somluck remains free for now, the court having granted him bail against a bond of 300,000 Thai Bah, an amount roughly equivalent to £6,500. Furthermore, he was ordered to compensate the victim 120,000 Baht (£2,600) and an additional 50,000 Baht (£1,080) to her family.

 

Somluck's legal representative, Itthisak Atthakornwikrom, has announced plans to appeal, underscoring that the case might hold more nuances yet to be judicially examined.

 

Somluck's trajectory from national glory to downfall paints a complex portrait of a once-revered athlete. Having clinched the gold medal in men’s featherweight boxing at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, he ascended as a national icon.

 

Post-retirement, his journey took less foreseeable turns, including a bankruptcy declaration in 2018 due to a failed business venture, with debts amounting to 4 million Baht (£86,600).

 

As he fights to redeem his deteriorating reputation, Somluck is reportedly focusing on his secondary career in Thai cinema and television, as well as steering clear of insecure investments, following guidance and assistance from the Thailand Boxing Association in overcoming past financial hurdles.

 

The case continues to capture public attention in Thailand as the nation grapples with the disconcerting transformation of one of its sports icons into a polarising figure in the judiciary limelight, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-23

 

 

[bannork]

Somrak, not the sharpest tool in the box, was set up. 

He's lucky he has a loving daughter, paying off his debts.

[RSD1]

Hasn't aged very well. Doesn't look at all like an Olympic athlete. More like Som-Sack. 

[fredwiggy]

Just like the Epsteins, Diddys , R. Kellys and Cosbys, they think their power and success comes with freedom to do whatever they want.