A 26-year-old host bar worker has been arrested after being accused of raping and assaulting a 35-year-old British woman at a hotel in Phitsanulok. Police said the suspect was detained on Saturday night, 4 July 2026, while allegedly attempting to flee to Bangkok.

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The man was apprehended under a court warrant while waiting for a bus in Wang Thong district. The arrest followed an investigation into an alleged attack that took place at a hotel in Muang district.

Police said the British woman had been staying at the hotel since 2 June. In the early hours of 6 June, she hired the suspect, who worked at a host bar, to accompany her and mix drinks in her hotel room.

According to her complaint, the suspect later assaulted her by punching her in the face and around her right eye before raping her. Police said the woman escaped to the hotel reception at about 7.30am and told staff she had been attacked.

Hotel staff arranged for her to be taken to Bangkok Phitsanulok Hospital for treatment. Police said she suffered severe bruising around her right eye and other injuries.

The woman subsequently filed a complaint with Muang police. Tourist police said their enquiries found that she had hired the suspect solely to provide entertainment and drink-mixing.

Police said the suspect was taken into custody under the court warrant and will face legal proceedings in connection with the allegations. The British embassy has been informed of the case and is assisting the woman. Thai authorities are also providing support as the investigation continues.

The case has drawn attention because it involves a foreign tourist and an alleged serious violent offence at a hotel. Police have not released further details about the investigation or any statements from the suspect.

Bangkokpost reported that the next stage of the case will involve the legal process following the suspect’s arrest. Investigators are expected to continue gathering evidence as prosecutors consider the case.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 7 July 2026

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Sounds like a good story, entertainment and drink mixing, yeah right!