Pattaya has closed a Pratamnak Hill park at night following a reported rape this month and an attack a month earlier on a Russian couple there.
Chalermprakiet Park, which houses a helipad offering a view of Pattaya Bay, was the scene of a reported Feb. 22 rape of an 18-year-old woman and robbery of her and a 19-year-old boyfriend by four “teenagers”. Several young Thai men also were reported to have robbed and assaulted a Russian couple that had set up a candle-lit table for a romantic drink at the helipad Jan. 9.
Three CCTV cameras overlooked the site of the attacks, but all three were broken.
The park has now been closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. The two recent crimes took place between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
Police have issued artist sketches of three alleged rapists of the Thai woman, who was dragged off at knifepoint into the woods near the helipad while the fourth man held her boyfriend at gunpoint.
Due a recent spate of atrocious crimes, police and the city will close Pratamnak Park over night.
The park is a popular spot for jogging and sightseeing, but after dark has attracted lovers for romantic views and liaisons thanks to its panoramic views.
Pol. Lt. Kovit Swasdemongkol said police would lock gates to the park and patrol the perimeter after dark.
