The suspect was taken into custody yesterday (Feb 4) after officers executed an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court. He faces charges of rape by coercion or force against a victim unable to resist, and committing indecent acts against a person over 15 years of age by coercion or force, Patong Police confirmed.
Police said the man was arrested at a hotel on Nanai Soi 8. The suspect, not named by police, was taken to Patong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The arrest follows an investigation launched after a 26-year-old Swedish woman filed a complaint with police on Sunday, alleging she was sexually assaulted by a man she met in the early hours of Saturday morning (Jan 31).
At the time, Pol Lt Col Surachat Thongyai, an investigating officer at Patong Police Station, confirmed officers received the complaint. Police arranged for the victim to undergo a medical examination at Patong Hospital as part of the investigation process.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the area and coordinated with nearby hotels as part of efforts to identify and locate the suspect. Police have not released further details as the case proceeds through the legal process.
Police reminded the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.