Lao man commits suicide to escape 2 rape charges in Bangkok

A Lao man accused of raping his ex-wife and a young girl committed suicide to escape arrest in the Bang Sao Thong district of Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok.

According to local law enforcement officials, the suspect, identified as 48 year old Kampordee Duangjampa, was found hanging in a rental room. Following the discovery of his body, officers from the Bang Sao Thong Police Station conducted a thorough investigation and discovered that the suspect had a criminal history related to sexual assault.

The two cases of sexual assault in which Duangjampa was allegedly involved included the rape of his ex-wife and a 12-year-old girl from Burma.

According to a report on Channel 3, Kampordee reportedly attacked and raped his ex-wife, whom he divorced several years ago on March 5. He then allegedly raped the young girl, who lived near his accommodation, leaving her seriously injured. She is still being treated in a hospital in the province.

The body was discovered by 58 year old Sinuan Chanthawong. Sinuan revealed that Kampordee borrowed a motorcycle from her. She came to get it back but found Kampordee hanging in his room.

The owner of the room, 60 year old Jaruay Chanthawong, stated that Kampordee previously rented the place with his wife and child before returning to Laos after the divorce. Kampordee recently returned to Thailand but did not have the money to pay his rent. Jaruay said she felt sorry for him and allowed him to stay.

Officers from Bang Sao Thong Police Station believe Kampordee committed suicide to avoid arrest and avoid the severe penalty that awaited him.

According to Section 288 of the Criminal Law, whoever has sexual intercourse with a child under 13 years old, whether the child agrees or not, shall be punished with life imprisonment, imprisonment from seven to 10 years, a fine of 140,000 to 400,00 baht, or both imprisonment and fine.

Kampordee’s body was taken to the Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital for a further autopsy.

The police plan to contact his relatives in Laos to arrange for his body to be returned for a funeral ceremony.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.