Former Conscript Arrested After 10 Years on the Run for Gang Rape of Soldier’s Girlfriend

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

A former conscript, wanted for nearly a decade in connection with the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl inside an army barracks, has finally been apprehended in a rice field in Muang district, Mukdahan.

The suspect, identified as Sarawut 33, was arrested on 12 May, following a coordinated operation by the Provincial Police Region 1. He had been evading capture since 2015 under an arrest warrant issued by the 12th Military Circle Court, for his alleged involvement in the brutal assault.  

The case dates back to 16 September 2015, when the victim, then just 16, visited her soldier boyfriend at an army camp in Prachin Buri province. Tragically, instead of a safe meeting, she was allegedly led into a barracks dormitory, where her boyfriend and five other conscripts took turns raping her.  

The following day, after returning home, the traumatised victim confided in a relative, who immediately reported the crime to the police. Investigators swiftly gathered evidence, leading to arrest warrants for all six suspects.  

Of the six accused, two were previously captured, but Sarawut remained at large for nearly 10 year, until his arrest in Khamcha-i district, Mukdahan. Despite his capture, sources say he continues to deny the charges.

He now faces multiple counts, including:  

- Abducting a minor (aged 15–18) for indecent acts

- Gang rape

- Unlawful confinement

Police Major General Teerachat Teerachatthamrong, commander of Provincial Police Region 1, confirmed the arrest and stated that Sarawut has been transferred to Mueang Prachin Buri Police Station for further legal proceedings.  
 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-14.