Van driver arrested after alleged assault of Ukrainian tourist in Phuket

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Police escort a suspect following his arrest in Phuket, after investigators tracked him using CCTV footage in connection with an alleged assault on a foreign tourist.

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

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. According to reports, 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. 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. (TNA)