A 26-year-old man, later confessing to being under the influence of drugs, was apprehended for engaging in lewd behavior in public, assaulting a 30-year-old woman, and snatching her bag in broad daylight at Kheha BTS skytrain station on Tuesday. Identified as Suthat Chuayrot from Samut Prakan’s Muang district, he was detained by authorities a few hours after the incident, which took place around 9:38 am on the station walkway.
Police reports indicate that he admitted to indecent exposure on the walkway while waiting, accosting and harassing the woman as she ascended the escalator, attempting to force himself upon her, physically striking her multiple times, and then absconding with her handbag as another individual approached the stairway.
The entire assault was captured on a security camera, confirmed Pol Col Nopphadon Changruean, chief of Samut Prakan’s Muang police station. This footage served as crucial evidence, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
He was subsequently apprehended at his residence in tambon Thai Ban, located in close proximity to the scene of the crime.
Records show that the perpetrator had previously been convicted of theft twice and had been released from incarceration in February, as stated by Pol Col Nopphadon.
The individual purportedly confessed to consuming several Flunitrazepam tablets, ingesting kratom juice, and smoking cannabis prior to perpetrating the offense. Flunitrazepam, also referred to as Rohypnol, is medically prescribed for severe insomnia and is notorious as a date-rape drug. Pol Col Nopphadon noted that he was heavily intoxicated by these substances when he rode his motorcycle to the BTS station, claiming to have little recollection of the incident.
Mr. Suthat faces multiple charges, including forcible molestation, public indecency, physical assault, and theft.
Authorities discovered the victim’s mobile phone and 1,050 baht in cash in his possession, both of which were inside the stolen handbag, as per Pol Col Nopphadon.
The victim, a beauty consultant at a department store, whose identity has been withheld, recounted how she cried out for help in vain while attempting to fend off her attacker, yet no assistance arrived despite the presence of a nearby security checkpoint and ticket counter.
After repeatedly striking her in the face, the assailant brandished a knife and threatened to kill her if she continued to resist, she recounted. Fortunately, the arrival of another individual at the top of the escalator frightened off the attacker.
“I used to believe a BTS station is a safe place,” she remarked. “What would happen if this occurred at night?”
