Phuket: A Phuket van driver has been arrested for allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting a Ukrainian female tourist.

According to Thai News Agency, the driver, identified as 43-year-old Mr. Sukanya, was apprehended at a snooker hall in Ratsada Subdistrict after the victim reported the incident to the police. The victim, who was lost and seeking internet access, approached Mr. Sukal for help, only to be forcibly taken and assaulted.

The victim filed a police report at Patong Police Station, stating that she became lost while trying to visit a friend in Phuket town and was unable to access the internet. Seeking assistance, she approached Mr. Sukal, who was waiting for work in his van on the bypass road, to use his Wi-Fi signal. Instead of providing help, Mr. Sukal allegedly dragged her into his van, sexually assaulted her, and later drove her to her accommodation in Kamala before fleeing the scene.

Police utilized CCTV footage to track down the vehicle and suspect. Mr. Sukal was subsequently arrested, wearing the same clothes from the day of the incident. Forensic officers collected fingerprints and other evidence from the van to support the case in court. During initial questioning, Mr. Sukal confessed to the charges but claimed the encounter was consensual. A urine test also showed he had drugs in his system.

Authorities have charged Mr. Sukal with serious offenses, including rape by force and drug use. They are also investigating his background to determine if he has a history of similar offenses against other tourists.