Inmate charged with sexual assault in Bang Kwang Central Prison

A prisoner in Bang Kwang Central Prison has been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a fellow inmate. Despite reporting the incident to prison staff, no action was initially taken, leading to further harassment and severe emotional distress for the victim.

The incident occurred in a cell at Bang Kwang Central Prison on January 7. The victim decided to seek help by submitting a formal complaint to the Lawyers Council of Thailand. This led to unanimous support from the council to form a legal team to assist the victim.

The Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Nonthaburi City Police Station, Bamphen Wairojchana, yesterday, August 6, revealed that he entered the prison to interrogate all relevant witnesses, including seven prison officers and four inmates, comprising the perpetrator, the victim, and two other cellmates.

The investigation confirmed the victim’s allegations, resulting in charges of sexual assault being filed against the accused on July 23. Fingerprinting of the accused was completed recently, and the case file is expected to be forwarded to the prosecutor within the week.

Bamphen further explained that the victim had claimed the perpetrator had secretly administered sleeping pills. Upon investigation, it was found that the incident took place in a highly controlled section of the prison, which is known for strict regulations against contraband.

This made it unlikely for the sleeping pills to have been smuggled in. However, the victim’s mental health improved after seeing active steps being taken to address his complaint, reducing his anxiety over the fairness of the investigation. The prison staff have since separated the three involved inmates to prevent further conflict.

Sexual assault

A background check on the accused revealed a history of multiple offences, including drug-related crimes and theft in various locations. In October 2020, he was arrested for stealing from a government office using a vehicle to facilitate the crime, leading to his detention at Nonthaburi Provincial Prison.

The accused later suffered a ruptured appendix and was taken to Phra Nang Klao Hospital for surgery, monitored closely by prison staff. During a shift change, he managed to escape but was soon recaptured and transferred to Bang Kwang Central Prison.

It was here that he committed the assault, subsequently bullying the victim by loudly proclaiming ownership over him as a wife, causing the victim immense shame and stress to the point of suicidal thoughts, reported KhaoSod.

The victim then sought justice through the Lawyers Council of Thailand to ensure the perpetrator faced legal consequences for his actions.