Phuket Van Driver Arrested After Alleged Rape of Ukrainian Tourist

Police in Phuket have detained a local van driver following the alleged rape of a 20-year-old Ukrainian tourist on April 6.

The victim reported the incident to Patong Police Station early in the morning, around 5:30am. According to her statement, a Thai man forced her into a vehicle and assaulted her in Phuket Town. Authorities later identified and arrested the suspect, a 43-year-old man known as Sukan.

The woman explained that she had arranged a ride via a motorcycle taxi app from her hotel on Si Sunthon Road in Thalang district to Phuket Town, where she planned to meet a friend. Upon arrival, she was unable to reach the friend due to a lack of mobile internet access. While searching for a connection and trying to locate her friend, she encountered the suspect.

She reportedly asked the man to share his mobile hotspot so she could get in touch with her friend. He agreed, but while she was using her phone, he allegedly forced her into his van and committed the assault. Afterward, he drove her to a rented house in Kathu district, believed to be her intended meeting point.

Police later located the suspect at a snooker club in the Ratsada area and took him into custody. Officers stated that he admitted to the crime during questioning and also tested positive for narcotics.

Authorities noted that the man had recently moved from Phang Nga province to work in Phuket. While specific charges were not officially detailed, similar offenses under Thai law can result in prison sentences ranging from four to 20 years, along with significant fines.

This case comes amid growing concern over incidents involving transport drivers. In recent weeks, other allegations have surfaced, including cases involving motorcycle taxi drivers and taxi operators accused of serious sexual offenses against passengers.