Violent Hotel Car Park Abduction in Trat Was Family Dispute, Say Police

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A shocking incident in a hotel car park in Trat, which initially appeared to be a violent abduction, has now been revealed to be a family dispute, according to police.

On the evening of 1 June, a woman was seen on CCTV being violently assaulted by a man and then dragged into a white van in full view of hotel staff and security cameras. The footage, which quickly circulated on social media, sparked serious concerns about the woman’s safety, prompting an urgent police investigation.

Initial reports described how a black Mitsubishi saloon car, with Nonthaburi registration, was blocked by a white enclosed van. The woman driver attempted to flee, but was pursued and forcibly taken away. Her vehicle was later found abandoned and towed for forensic examination.

The dramatic footage led to fears of a potential kidnapping. However, police confirmed on 2 June that both the man and woman involved later presented themselves voluntarily to Mueang Trat Police Station.

The man, identified only as Mr A, 32, told investigators and reporters that the woman, Ms B, 40, was in fact his cousin. He explained that emotions boiled over when he discovered that Ms B had withheld information about his mother’s critical illness.

According to Mr A, he is part of a likay traditional theatre troupe currently performing in Trat. Earlier in the day, he received a phone call from a relative informing him that his mother was in the final stages of cancer. He claimed the family had asked his sister to pass the message through Ms B in advance, but when she said nothing during their time together, he lost control.

Ms B reportedly tried to drive away from the scene, but Mr A pursued her in the troupe’s van, confronting her in the hotel car park. The situation quickly escalated into a physical assault and forced removal.

Following the incident, both parties met with police to give statements and have since “reconciled”, according to officers.

The case, while now deemed to be a domestic matter, has raised questions about public safety, appropriate conflict resolution and the use of violence even within familial disputes.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether charges will be filed, but emphasised that violent behaviour, regardless of motive or relationship, remains a serious offence under the law.