Phuket: Local police have swiftly apprehended a 43-year-old van driver, identified as Mr. Sukun, following allegations of sexually assaulting a Ukrainian tourist.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred around 2:00 - 03:00 AM on Monday when the victim, who was lost and unable to access the internet, approached the suspect near the bypass road to ask for a Wi-Fi connection. Reports indicate that the suspect took advantage of the situation, forced the victim into his van, and committed the assault before dropping her off in the Kamala area.

Following the report at Patong Police Station, authorities used CCTV footage to track the suspect to a snooker club in Ratsada. He was arrested later on the same day. Mr. Sukun reportedly confessed to the charges but claimed the encounter was consensual. However, police conducted a drug test which returned positive (purple urine).

The suspect currently faces charges of sexual assault by force and drug consumption. Authorities are also investigating his criminal history to see if there are prior victims.