Army Conscript, 23, Arrested for Allegedly Gang-Raping 15-Year-Old Girlfriend After Returning for Election

On February 13, 2024, police officials from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) apprehended Phitayut (nickname 'Ta'), a 23-year-old army conscript, on an arrest warrant from Thong Pha Phum Provincial Court. He was wanted for charges of gang rape and abduction of a minor. The arrest occurred at a gas station in Lin Thin Subdistrict, Kanchanaburi Province. In 2023, Phitayut was dating a 15-year-old girl (name withheld) whom he lured to his residence and sexually assaulted. He then called six additional friends to further assault the victim, causing severe physical and psychological trauma. After the victim's mother filed a police report, Phitayut fled and enlisted in the military, serving on the border in Ubon Ratchathani Province. He was eventually captured when returning to vote in the election, still denying all allegations. Police plan to pursue charges and investigate his accomplices.