Investigative units from Hat Yai Police Station, Songkhla Provincial Police, and Hat Yai Tourist Police, arrested Thanaphon Pakkao, 28, at a basketball court in Xiang Tung Park on Suphasan Rangsan Road, Hat Yai, Songkhla Province on August 2. Thanaphon was apprehended under a warrant issued by the Songkhla Provincial Court on August 1, 2024, for charges of rape and coercion.
The incident dates back to July 15, when the parents of a 17-year-old girl reported to the Hat Yai Police that Thanapon, who had a crush on their daughter, had lured her to a room in a dormitory in Khlong Rian, Hat Yai, and raped her. This occurred despite Thanapon already having a wife.
The 17-year-old victim reported the assault to her parents, leading to the police complaint and subsequent legal action against Thanapon. The incident also led to severe reprimand from Thanapon’s wife once she became aware of the situation.
Despite his arrest, Thanapon has denied all charges, claiming he did not rape the girl. The police have transferred him to the Hat Yai Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.