Phuket-
Police in Phuket have swiftly arrested a local van driver accused of sexually assaulting a Ukrainian tourist in the early hours of Monday morning.
Police told the Phuket Express that at approximately 5:30 a.m., on Monday (April 6th) the victim reported the incident to Patong Police Station, stating she had been forced into a van and assaulted by a man she encountered while searching for internet access.
The woman had earlier used a ride-hailing service to travel from a hotel in Cherng Talay to Phuket Town to meet a friend. Unable to connect online, she approached a Thai man for help with Wi-Fi. Instead, she was allegedly dragged into his van and assaulted before being dropped off at her accommodation in Kamala.
By late afternoon, police investigators arrested the suspect, identified only as 43-year-old Sukal, at a snooker hall in Rassada. Officers later searched his van, seizing clothing worn during the incident for forensic examination.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect tested positive for narcotics and confessed to the assault during questioning. The crime reportedly took place between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. near the entrance of a housing estate along Chalermprakiat R.9 Road (Bypass Road).
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, personally joined the investigation and questioned the suspect. The victim has undergone a medical examination at Patong Hospital, with evidence preserved for legal proceedings.
