Thai serial rapist who targets elderly women remains on the run
Two elderly Thai women sought help from the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women after a rapist who sexually assaulted them in a paddy field in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima remains at large for months.
The two senior victims, who are cousins, met the foundation’s founder, Pavena Hongsakul, at the foundation office in the central province of Pathum Thani on December 24. They reported the matter to the Bua Yai Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima, but no progress has been made.
The first victim, 68 year old Noi, revealed to Pavena and Thai news agencies that the incident occurred in broad daylight on August 8. She, her husband, and her sister had been working in a rice field 500 metres from her home.
Her husband and sister returned home before her, leaving her working in the paddy alone. The rapist, who was wearing a black balaclava, approached her, strangled her, and dragged her behind a well. The suspect demanded money, but she had none. He then raped and threatened to kill her if she made any noise.
Noi’s cousin, 78 year old Sa later became a victim of sexual assault and rape a few months later on December 14. They believe the perpetrator to be the same man.
Sa recounted that the incident took place in her rice field which is not far from Noi’s. The rapist strangled her and warned her not to look at him. He stole 420 baht in cash from her before tying her up and raping her.
The sexual assaults have instilled fear among women in the community, both young and old. The police have not provided the victims or other locals with updates on their investigation. Fearing that the rapist might strike again, the women decided to bring the matter to the foundation.
Pavena promised to follow up on the case and will request intervention from the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police to prevent further sexual assaults in the area and its surroundings.
