According to Phuket City Police, the incident stemmed from a personal dispute between people who already knew each other, not a random attack as initially portrayed online.
The case gained widespread attention after posts on a popular Phuket Facebook page claimed a Myanmar man’s girlfriend had been forcibly taken by a group of teenagers and brought to a motel. The posts included video footage showing the woman being found undressed, prompting public concern and calls for swift police action.
Police launched an urgent investigation under the orders of Phuket City Police Chief Pol Col Chatree Chukaew. Officers later arrested two Thai suspects, identified as Thavisak ‘Bean’ Yadang, 21, and Surasak ‘One’ Chumint, 28.
Investigators said the dispute began after an argument over a motorcycle. Police explained that ‘Nut’, the Myanmar complainant, had previously entrusted his motorcycle to Bean before temporarily ordaining as a monk in Phang Nga. After returning, he repeatedly requested the motorcycle back, leading to mounting tensions between the two sides.
According to police, the confrontation escalated into a physical fight in the Saphan Ruam community before Bean allegedly invited Nut’s 17-year-old girlfriend, identified under the pseudonym ‘Ying’, to ride away with him on a motorcycle to a hotel in Phuket Town.
Reporters later visited the hotel on Rattanakosin 200 Pi Rd in Talad Nuea, where staff confirmed the group checked in shortly before 3am. A hotel employee said the woman did not ask for help or show signs of distress, and police arrived within minutes together with the boyfriend.
Police said officers found the woman at the hotel after Nut contacted authorities to help locate her. Although she had removed her clothes, investigators said no evidence of sexual assault was found.
Ying later told police she went with the suspects because she was afraid, but also stated that some claims circulating online were misunderstandings as all parties already knew each other.
Pol Col Chatree said police are treating the matter as two separate cases: the assault linked to the earlier fight and allegations concerning the woman being taken to the hotel.
He added that investigators were still examining whether any offences relating to coercion or sexual assault had occurred, despite the suspects claiming the encounter was consensual.
Police have already filed charges relating to the abduction of a minor, as the girl is 17 years old. Urine tests also confirmed narcotics in the systems of both Thai suspects, who admitted using drugs before the incident.
The two suspects were expected to be taken before Phuket Provincial Court on the evening of May 11. Police also confirmed that the case was not considered a random abduction or attack on stranger