Fugitive ferry fiend finally caught after 15-year hunt
Ex-conductor who preyed on teenage passenger in hotel room faces justice at last
After evading capture for over 15 years, a former ferry conductor from Khlong Saen Saep has been apprehended for luring and assaulting a 13 year old regular passenger. The incident occurred in a hotel room where the victim was later threatened into silence.
Today, April 28, Police Major General Songklot Krikkritaya, commander of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, ordered the arrest of 52 year old Apichat, who was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on August 20, 2010, for charges including the rape of a minor under 15 years old and the abduction of a minor from parental guardianship.
The events that unfolded in 2010 began when Apichat, then a ferry conductor, regularly interacted with a 13 year old passenger, referred to as B. Apichat frequently engaged with her in a move to build trust.
On the day of the incident, he invited B to his room in the Ramkhamhaeng area under the guise of a casual outing. Trusting him, B agreed, which ultimately led to Apichat forcibly assaulting her and subsequently threatening her to keep the incident secret.
Noticing changes in their daughter’s behaviour, including frequent late returns and a lack of cheerfulness, B’s parents questioned her, eventually uncovering the truth. They promptly reported the incident to Hua Mak Police Station. Apichat fled soon after the complaint was filed.
Recently, the investigation team received information that Apichat had been hiding in a village in Kap Choeng district, Surin province. This led to his eventual capture after more than 15 years on the run.
During questioning, Apichat confessed to his crimes, and he was subsequently handed over to Hua Mak Police Station for further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.
In other news, police arrested an 18 year old Thai teen in the central province of Prachin Buri for the fatal abuse of a four year old boy, whom his father had adopted. The suspect reportedly admitted to harming the child out of jealousy.
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