Homeless woman with HIV brutally attacked in Bangkok

A brutal attack in the early hours of yesterday left a 43 year old homeless woman with severe injuries and a subsequent HIV infection diagnosis. The assault occurred in the Soi Inthamara 1 community in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district.

Police apprehended a 39 year old suspect near the community following a report from the victim’s relative, who witnessed the suspect acting suspiciously in the area.

The incident took place around 2am yesterday when the homeless woman, Anotai, was found in a makeshift tent she used for shelter. She had sustained significant facial injuries, including a swollen face, wounds to her mouth and eyebrows, and one eye was swollen shut.

Emergency services quickly transported her to Ramathibodi Hospital for medical attention. Afterwards, when the police showed photographs of the suspect to Anotai at the hospital, she identified Kiang as her assailant. She recounted how the attack began with an attempted sexual assault and escalated when she resisted, resulting in her severe injuries.

Kiang was located and detained at the back of the Soi Inthamara 1 community, also known as the hidden community. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the scene provided evidence that led to his arrest.

Initially, Kiang admitted to the assault but denied committing rape. The police have charged him with indecent assault and physical assault while awaiting further testimony from the victim before Kiang’s pre-trial detention at the Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court today.

Suspect nabbed

A 21 year old relative of the victim, Atit, recounted the events leading up to the capture of Kiang. Atit was alerted by his relative about the assault and immediately informed the police, who were already searching the area. Atit and his younger sibling ventured towards the end of the community, where they encountered Kiang, who was cycling and appeared suspicious.

Kiang’s clothing matched descriptions provided by locals, prompting Atit to engage him in conversation. Despite Kiang’s reluctance to accompany Atit back to the community and his untrustworthy demeanour, the police arrived soon after and took him into custody.

The community chairman confirmed that Anotai, who is of unsound mind but capable of coherent speech, had been living in the area with her brother. However, she had been sleeping alone in the tent as her brother was absent during the incident, reported KhaoSod.

The hospital later informed the rescue team that Anotai was HIV positive, adding another layer of tragedy to the already heinous crime.