Drug-addicted delivery driver charged for groping woman in Isaan

A drug-addicted delivery driver high on Yaba groped a woman’s breasts while on duty at a motorcycle showroom in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. His wife attempted to settle the matter by paying the victim 1,000 baht but she insisted on legal action.

The 28 year old victim, Fon, called officers from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station to her workplace, the motorcycle store, to arrest the suspect, 34 year old Tum. The incident occurred around 10am, yesterday, June 25, when Tum and another male staff member delivered motorcycles and spare parts to the showroom.

While Fon and a female colleague were working in storage, Tum approached Fon from behind and groped her breasts. Fon screamed, causing Tum to walk away as if nothing had happened. She followed Tum and confronted him.

Tum apologised to Fon, claiming he was just teasing her as a friend. Fon, however, does not consider him a friend and does not forgive him. She asked to speak with his manager, who is also Tum’s wife.

Tum’s wife allegedly gave Fon 500 baht and urged her to drop the matter but Fon refused. She then offered another 500 baht but Fon insisted on legal action.

Fon’s 24 year old work colleague, Wijitta, told police that Tum often spoke inappropriately to female workers at the store, asking about their relationship status.

Officers took Tum to the police station for further questioning. Tum admitted to being drunk but denied intentionally sexually assaulting Fon.

Tum claimed he was only teasing and hugged Fon from behind but did not touch her breasts as she alleged. He asked Fon to return the 1,000 baht to his wife if she proceeded with legal action.

Officers conducted a drug test on Tum and found methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, in his system. Tum was charged under the Narcotics Act for using a category 1 drug, with a penalty of up to one-year imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

Tum was also charged with sexual assault, but the details of the legal punishment have not been clarified.