Man arrested for sexually abusing child in Trang, Thailand

Police arrested a 59 year old man on charges of sexually abusing a 10 year old girl in Trang, in southern Thailand. The victim’s mother has vowed to pursue legal action to the fullest extent.

Paveena Hongsakul, Chairperson of the Paveena Foundation for Children and Women, disclosed that police had detained Kai, an employee of a state agency, after a complaint was lodged. The arrest follows a report from Police Lieutenant Colonel Nakin Jankaew of Ban Khok Yang Police Station.

Kai is accused of committing obscene acts against a child under the age of 13, who was in a state of helplessness. The abuse allegedly involved the use of objects or body parts other than genitalia to violate the child’s private areas. The suspect has been taken for questioning at Ban Khok Yang Police Station and will be remanded to Trang Provincial Court tomorrow.

On the day of the incident, Noi, the mother of the victim, called the Paveena Foundation’s hotline to report the abuse. She revealed that her daughter referred to as Nong Nueng, had been sexually abused by Kai for over a year. The abuse included touching her chest and genitalia and inserting fingers into her private areas.

Noi, a 30 year old mother, explained that she had two children from a previous marriage: a 10 year old daughter and a two year old daughter. Earlier this year, she moved in with Kai and his wife, considering Kai as a godfather.

She left her children in Kai’s care while she visited her new husband in another district. On July 14, she took her children to visit her husband in Mueang district, Trang.

Sexual abuse

On July 28, when Noi was about to return her children to Kai’s house, her 10 year old daughter exhibited signs of fear and reluctance to return. The child then disclosed what had happened.

“Grandfather Kai has been abusing me for a year. He touches my chest and genitals when he is drunk and inserts his fingers into my private parts.”

Noi was shocked and immediately took her daughter to the hospital on July 29. Medical examinations confirmed signs of sexual abuse. The next day, she reported the incident to Ban Khok Yang Police Station, intent on seeking justice for her daughter. She also sought assistance from the Paveena Foundation to follow up on the case.

Paveena Hongsakul coordinated with Pol. Lt. Col. Nakin, who advised Noi to meet with investigators. The multidisciplinary team then scheduled an interview with the child on July 16 to gather evidence and issue a warrant for Kai’s arrest. The suspect was apprehended yesterday.

Paveena expressed gratitude to the police for their swift action in arresting the perpetrator and assured that the foundation would coordinate with the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection under the Ministry of Justice to secure compensation for the victim. Additionally, they will provide psychological support to the young girl, reported KhaoSod.

Paveena urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, observe any unusual behaviour, and maintain open communication. She emphasised that children might be too scared to report abuse due to threats from the abuser.