Koh Phangan, Thailand
A 35-year-old French man was dramatically arrested in his room on the popular tourist island of Koh Phangan yesterday after Thai police executed a raid authorized by an arrest warrant for alleged rape.
Romain, whose family name has been withheld by authorities, was taken into custody by the Special Operations Unit of the Surat Thani Provincial Police Investigation Division. The arrest followed a warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court on December 6th, charging him with alleged “rape by sexual intercourse with another person who is unable to resist.”
According to police, the alleged assault took place inside a room in Koh Phangan District. The victim filed a formal complaint with local authorities, prompting investigators to swiftly obtain the warrant and track the suspect to his accommodation. Officers raided the premises and detained him without incident.
The suspect was immediately transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station, where he now faces formal legal proceedings. The suspect did not release a statement to the press and it was not known if he had immediately obtained the services of an attorney.
Koh Phangan has seen increased law-enforcement attention in recent years amid concerns over tourist safety and illegal businesses.
Further details about the victim and the circumstances of the alleged crime have not been released, as the investigation remains ongoing.
