Police to finalise inquiries into rape of Australian woman
POLICE are trying to complete their investigation into the rape of an Australian tourist within a week. The assault took place at a parking lot in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district last Monday.
DNA results are expected early this week.
“I will try to ensure that we get clear facts about this case before the victim’s scheduled departure from Thailand,” Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt-General Sanit Mahathavorn said yesterday.
The 21-year-old woman has booked a flight to fly back to her homeland on December 19.
According to her complaint, she flagged a tuk-tuk for a ride back to her lodging after drinking heavily. But she ended up being brought to a secluded spot and attacked by two men.
“We have identified several suspects including tuk-tuk drivers in the area … But all of them have an alibi to back claims that they were by no means near the scene at the time of the reported crime. So, we have not detained any suspect to date,” Sanit said.
“We will try to get clear-cut evidence,” he added.
He said police would also try to boost safety at secluded spots, as crimes often took place in such zones.
Taling Chan District Office director Porntip Watcharindilok said the operator of the parking zone where the Australian was raped would be asked to install a CCTV system, a gate, and lighting there.
“Security guards must be hired to check the area round-the-clock to prevent crimes from recurring,” she said.
The parking zone’s operator Nattaporn Sornkruea, 24, said he had leased the space in front of a deserted building to provide parking since 2010. He said he took turns watching the area with Achara Soparat, 55.