Man charged with rape of pharmacy assistant
A 29-year-old Chon Buri man has been arrested for allegedly raping a pharmacy shop assistant at knifepoint and stealing her mobile phone and Bt7,000 cash on the night of December 30.
Provincial Police Region 2 chief Pol Lt-Colonel Jitti Rodbangyang told a press conference on Wednesday that Somjen Techama was charged with raping a woman against her will by threatening an act of violence, and committing theft at night time with the use of a vehicle.
The alleged crime took place at 10.30pm on December 30 while the 30-year-old victim was working alone at her employer’s shop in Tambon Saensuk of Muang Chon Buri.
Somjen parked his motorcycle in front of the shop and bought a Bt10 pack of “Ya-hom” medicine, which is generally used to treat nausea and fainting. He left the shop but returned to buy another pack and this time he suddenly attacked the woman by pulling a knife and threatening her. He tied her up and raped her before getting away with her mobile phone and cash.
Police secured an arrest warrant based of a sketch of the suspect and found Somjen, who fitted the description, walking along a road in Tambon Nong Khang Khok. Police said that, when arrested, Somjen confessed that he raped the woman and stole the valuables because he was drunk.
The daring attack caused panic in the neighbourhood, with local residents urging police to punish the offender severely so he wouldn’t repeat the crime.