Laotian Woman Files Assault Complaint Against Restaurant Owner, Tax Official

On September 11, a 29-year-old Laotian woman filed a complaint with Bang Yai Police in Nonthaburi province, stating that she was beaten and detained by her former employer, a 40-year-old excise official, and his 33-year-old wife. The victim alleges she was slapped, kicked, struck with a chair, and had her head slammed against the floor on August 2 at a restaurant in Sao Thong Hin subdistrict, Bang Yai district. She was held for over six hours before coworkers helped her escape. The incident occurred after her employer accused her of taking 190,000 baht that went missing from the restaurant, a charge she denies.

The victim explained that the restaurant employed three staff members and the employer suspected she had gambled away the money. She stated she has no involvement in the missing funds, which were pooled earnings from multiple work shifts. After the assault, she was confined to a room for hours. She now lives in fear following threats that she would be harmed if she fled, and expressed concern that her employer has attempted to contact her repeatedly.

Bang Yai Police Lieutenant Colonel Siraphop Anusiri stated that preliminary investigation found the restaurant's front operated as a legitimate pork leg rice shop while the rear illegally sold smuggled cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and herbal drinks to avoid taxes. Police believe the employer became convinced the employee had stolen the 190,000 baht and acted on this suspicion. The officer emphasized that no one is above the law, regardless of government position. The restaurant has since closed following the victim's posts on social media. Police are preparing to conduct detailed questioning and will issue a summons for the restaurant owner to face four charges: assault, unlawful detention, intimidation and coercion, and property theft.