KHON KAEN, Thailand – The Khon Kaen Provincial Court has sentenced Somrak Khamsing, a former Olympic gold medalist in boxing, to 2 years, 13 months, and 10 days in prison, January 23. He has also been ordered to pay 170,000 baht in compensation for an attempted rape involving a 17-year-old girl.
At approximately 9:45 AM, the court delivered its verdict in a case filed by the public prosecutor against Somrak Khamsing and his close associate Pichet Chinehanta, also known as “Pekko.”
Somrak, the first defendant, and Pichet, the second, faced charges that included:
Taking a minor aged over 15 but under 18 away from her parents, guardians, or caretakers for the purpose of committing indecent acts, even with her consent;
Attempted rape using force or in circumstances where the victim could not resist;
Committing indecent acts against a minor aged over 15 using force.
The case stemmed from an incident on December 10, 2023, when Somrak was accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl he had met at an entertainment venue.
The court found that the prosecutor’s evidence was credible and consistent, concluding that the victim’s testimony was truthful and not fabricated, as it involved details that would not be easily connected unless the incident had genuinely occurred. Medical examination corroborated her account, revealing signs of force, including pressure marks on her chest and injuries near her genital area. The victim testified that Somrak attempted to rape her using force but failed due to her resistance and his inability to maintain an erection.
Somrak’s defense, claiming that the victim had consented, was contradicted by the evidence. The court ruled that the injuries and circumstances disproved any notion of consent, and there was no evidence of the victim engaging in prostitution or seeking financial gain.
The court sentenced Somrak to a total of 4 years and 8 months in prison but reduced the sentence by one-third due to his cooperation during the trial, leaving him with a prison term of 2 years, 13 months, and 10 days. Additionally, he was ordered to pay 50,000 baht to the victim’s family and 120,000 baht to the victim, along with 5% annual interest from the date of the incident. The charges against the second defendant, Pichet, were dismissed.
After hearing the verdict, Somrak remained composed and briefly
After hearing the verdict, Somrak Khamsing managed to smile and briefly stated, “I must keep fighting.” Similarly, his lawyer, Itthisak Atthakornwikrom, remarked that there are still many facts that need further examination. (TNA)
