Thai man assaults transwoman in Buriram for pulling ‘funny face’

A Thai man physically assaulted a Thai transwoman during a traditional boat racing festival in the Isaan province of Buriram, following his girlfriend’s order after they argued on social media.

The news Facebook page เจ๊มอย v+ (Jmoi V+) shared the story of the 19 year old transgender victim yesterday, November 3, after the victim approached the page to seek justice. The transwoman reported that the incident occurred at about 11pm on November 1.

According to the victim, her female friend was involved in a physical altercation with an 18 year old woman named Noi on October 31. The transwoman intervened in the assault and separated them.

The next day, at the boat racing event, she encountered Noi and her boyfriend Few. Few asked her whether she criticised Noi on social media but she denied his accusation. Unfortunately, Few refused to believe her and immediately attacked her in front of many festival attendees.

The victim added that Noi later called her, offering 500 baht in compensation if she agreed to drop the legal complaint. The victim refused the offer, prompting Noi to mock her, saying she was worth even less than 5 baht.

The transwoman then visited the hospital to obtain a medical certificate and filed a complaint against Few at Satuek Police Station, leading to Few’s arrest yesterday, November 3. He confessed to the assault, claiming his girlfriend told him to do it.

Few also alleged that the transgender victim tried to punch his girlfriend at the event. He claimed he loved his girlfriend and needed to protect her.

Noi later gave an interview with Channel 7, saying the transwoman always “made faces” at her when they passed each other on motorcycles. She also claimed that the transwoman posted negative things about her on social media. She admitted she asked her boyfriend to “teach her a lesson” but did not expect him to go so far.

Noi added that her friends previously assaulted others and paid 500 baht to avoid legal complications, which she thought was normal practice and thus offered the same amount.

Few was charged under Section 295 of the Criminal Law for physically assaulting another person, resulting in both physical and mental harm. The penalty carries up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. Noi did not face any legal charges.