Phuket woman assaulted on motorcycle, prompts police action

A man on a motorcycle harassed and assaulted a woman in Phuket, prompting calls for police action. The event, which occurred late at night, saw the assailant grab the victim’s chest, almost causing her to fall from her bike.

The incident, which occurred on July 1 near the Super Cheap Road in Soi Khok Makham, Rawai, Phuket was reported by Phuket Times yesterday, July 10. The victim and her friends were riding a motorcycle when they were pursued by a man who eventually harassed the woman.

CCTV footage revealed a man wearing a yellow shirt and shorts, riding a white-and-red or black Honda Wave motorcycle. Descriptions indicate he has yellowish skin and a distinctive mole or birthmark on the left side of his face. He is estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old, standing 160 to 175 centimetres tall.

A friend of the victim recounted the harrowing experience, explaining that while riding with two other women, they heard a scream. Initially thinking it was a collision, they realised the woman in the middle seat had been groped and pulled backwards by the assailant. The friend in the middle seat shouted a curse at the man.

“We were shocked and terrified, so we quickly drove to a laundromat where there were houses and bright lights. The man then circled back and escaped.”

The friend expressed disbelief, having only seen such incidents in the news and never imagined it would happen to them, especially as a group of three.

“I can’t imagine what would have happened if he had pulled our friend off the bike or threatened us with a knife. It’s even scarier to think if a woman was alone and got pushed off the road or dragged into the forest.”

The group is now trying to comfort each other, but feelings of fear and anger remain strong. They have been locking all doors and windows and keeping the lights on since returning home.

“This happened so close to us that we’re still in shock. How could someone do this? The perpetrator looked dazed, like he was drunk. If anyone encounters something like this in the area, please share information. We hope no one else experiences this.”

Police action urged

The post has sparked widespread commentary, with many expressing fear and urging the police to apprehend the suspect. Some even suggested drastic measures like kicking the perpetrator off his bike.

According to the CCTV timeline, the suspect was seen riding past Wat Sawang Arom temple in Rawai at 9.39pm. By 9.42pm, the victims were seen turning right into Soi Khok Makham, pursued by the suspect. The assault occurred at 9.44pm, after which the suspect retraced his route, turning right towards Wat Sawang Arom at 9.45pm. He then proceeded onto Wiset Road, heading towards Thai Mai village in Rawai, reported KhaoSod.

The community demands swift action to ensure the perpetrator is caught and brought to justice.