Update: Phuket resort worker denies rape of German tourist

PHUKET: All official sources in Phuket involved in the case of an alleged rape of a German tourist by a Thai resort worker have unequivocally stated that the accused has not confessed to the charge.

Sakchai Thongseedam, charged with raping the unnamed German tourist on May 17 at the Centara Karon Resort Phuket resort, has denied the police allegation. The sex was consensual, he maintained.

Confirmation of the denial has come to the Gazette from Col Sirisak Wasasiri, the Chalong Police Superintendent; Capt Nitikorn Rawang, the Chalong Police investigating officer; Capt Nucharee Longkaew, Phuket Police special case detective tasked with interviewing the victim; and Phuket Provincial Chief Public Prosecutor Chiengsean Panhya.

Additionally, Phuket Prison officer Nuttapol Aunthong told the Gazette that Mr Sakchai was released on bail on Monday. He had no information about the bail conditions, however.

Chalong Police Superintendent Sirisak Wasasiri spoke to the Gazette about the case on Monday.

“At the moment we are still working on evidence collection and awaiting the results of the victim’s medical examination from the doctor. After that we can submit the file to the prosecutor.”

“The last time that the accused was in the court [May 18] was just to hear the statement and allegations of the German lady. The court hasn’t tried him yet and he hasn’t confessed,” said Col Sirisak.

“I have no idea how [one English-language news outlet] came by the privileged conversation between the judge and the accused on that day. The only people present were the accused, the victim and close female relatives, the interpreter, court officers and the prosecutor. All were female.”

“They [the news outlet] could be sued for false reporting. They have to be responsible for their actions,” said Col Sirisak.

Phuket Provincial Chief Public Prosecutor Chiengsean Panhya explained that the German woman wanted to give her statement to the court early as she would be returning to Germany within days.

“This way, when we receive the evidence and documentation from the police, we can send the file to the court and they can start the investigation without requiring her to be present.”

“At the moment, the police haven’t submitted the case file to us,” Mr Chiengsean confirmed.