Thai man arrested for assaulting elderly woman in Phatthalung

A 64 year old Thai man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a 70 year old woman, sparking controversy due to his poor health and inability to walk unaided.

The incident occurred yesterday, September 4, at 5pm, when police from Sri Banphot Police Station in Phatthalung province apprehended Wichian (last name withheld) on charges of rape. Despite his relatives’ efforts to secure bail, the police denied their request, leading to Wichian experiencing seizures. His family urgently requested that he be taken to Sri Banphot Hospital for immediate medical attention.

At the hospital, reporters spoke with 42 year old Wanida, Wichian’s daughter, who expressed her belief that the denial of bail was unjust. She argued that her father, given his advanced age and severe health problems, posed no threat of fleeing or intimidating witnesses. Wanida assured that the family was prepared to fully cooperate with the justice process.

Wanida explained that the alleged victim was facing financial difficulties, and her father had previously offered her work in his garden. Subsequently, the victim’s daughter requested a loan, which Wichian refused but suggested she work in exchange for money.

The daughter allegedly threatened to report Wichian for raping her mother multiple times if he did not comply with her request for money. Wanida recounted advising the daughter to go ahead and file a report if she had evidence, not expecting that she would proceed with legal action.

Wanida and her siblings find the allegations against their father hard to believe, particularly due to his physical incapacity. Wichian suffers from severe leg weakness, requiring a walking stick for mobility, and the family is perplexed by the police’s decision to issue an arrest warrant without first summoning him for questioning. They claim the police acted on one-sided information.

Legal investigation

Wichian’s daughter-in-law, 48 year old Suwan also voiced her disbelief regarding the accusations. She stated that Wichian’s frail condition made it improbable for him to physically harm and assault another person. Suwan speculated that there could be underlying motives behind the allegations.

“I don’t believe my father could commit such an act. His body is too weak to harm someone and then assault them. There is likely more to this story.”

The case has raised significant concerns about the handling of the investigation, especially the police’s refusal to grant bail and the quick issuance of an arrest warrant without comprehensive questioning. The family’s plea for medical attention and fair treatment reflects their frustration with the process, underscoring the need for a thorough and balanced investigation.

Wichian remains in custody, with his family hoping that his health condition and the circumstances of the case will be taken into consideration in the ongoing legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.