Phuket update: Krabi footballer accused of rape released on bail

PHUKET: The professional footballer signed with Krabi FC who stands accused of raping an American exchange student has been released on bail, the Phuket Gazette has learned.

An officer at the Krabi Provincial Court confirmed that the man was presented to the court and released on bail, but the officer declined to give any further information.

“I was given orders not to reveal any information regarding the case. Previously he was held at the cells at the court. Police are now collecting evidence for their case,” said Lt Col Amornrat Sudthigerd of Krabi City Police.

The man has reportedly denied the allegation, which claims he raped a 23-year-old American exchange student at the tourist-popular Nopparat Thara Beach in Ao Nang on the night of May 31. He was arrested by Krabi City Police the next day.

The woman was taken to a local clinic for treatment of injuries to her face.

Police visited the clinic and found that the woman was still in a state of shock over the incident.

After giving police a detailed description of the man, the woman was sent to Krabi Hospital for an examination and further treatment.

“All I can say is that we held [the man] for 24 hours, in accordance with the law, and then sent him to Krabi Provincial Court,” said Col Amornrat.

Although the alleged victim’s name and the name and nationality of the accused were included in the original reports in Thai media, the Gazette is withholding the names until the victim chooses to be publicly known or police formally press charges against the accused.

— Orawin Narabal