Narathiwat rape suspects surrender to police, bail denied

Five suspects accused of raping a 12 year old girl in Narathiwat have surrendered to the police at Tak Bai police station. The individuals, aged between 16 and 24, were accompanied by their parents to meet with Police Colonel Suphachat Yeewangkong Na Phatthalung, the station’s superintendent.

Each of the accused faces charges of raping a minor under 13 years old, abducting a minor for indecent acts, and removing a minor from their parents. Bail was denied, and the suspects are expected to appear in Narathiwat Provincial Court tomorrow. Underage suspects will be sent to a juvenile detention centre.

This case came to public attention through social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet. Gun was contacted by a woman whose younger sister was reportedly gang-raped in Narathiwat before fleeing to Nonthaburi to live with her.

“The girl was reportedly raped in a village in Tak Bai district on five occasions between May 10 and June 8.”

Gun added that the assaults allegedly involved 13 men, some of whom were friends and relatives of the girl’s brother.

Gun explained that one of the perpetrators lured the girl with the promise of a treat but instead took her to a hotel where his friends were waiting to assault her. The group is also suspected of being involved in drug trafficking, with some members posting pictures online offering drugs for sale, according to the girl’s sister.

Gun and Warin Weerasunthorn, head of the Nonthaburi Children and Family Shelter, accompanied the victim to file a complaint with the Rattanathibet district police in Nonthaburi on August 4, reported Bangkok Post.

“Some of the accused recently called the girl’s mother, saying they would negotiate only if the girl returned to Tak Bai.”

Gun added that police are still searching for the remaining eight suspects.

In a related development, Gun plans to file a complaint against a teacher in Narathiwat who reportedly suggested online that the girl might have consented to the sexual acts.