12-3-2024 (BANGKOK) A shocking case of animal abuse has sent shockwaves through the picturesque island of Phuket, as a young American man stands accused of sexually assaulting multiple pregnant horses, causing one mare to tragically miscarry. The incident has sparked outrage among animal rights activists and locals alike, demanding swift justice and accountability.
On March 11th, Chatcharoj Lek-Awut, 50, and his wife Prapada, 43, horse owners in Phuket Province, along with the Watchdog Thailand animal rights foundation, filed a report at the Thalang Police Station. They presented CCTV footage as evidence, alleging that a 19-year-old American man, identified as Steven, had sexually assaulted their female horses, leading to the miscarriage of one mare who was four months pregnant.
According to the distressing report, Steven is believed to have abused at least three mares at the stables located in Village No. 4, Soi Bang Sai, Pa Khlok Subdistrict, Thalang District. The first victim, a miniature horse named Mali, was nine months pregnant when she tragically miscarried in 2023. The second mare, Gina, was assaulted in February 2024, while the third, a four-month pregnant horse named A-ngun (Grape), suffered the same horrific fate.
In response to the shocking allegations, Police Lieutenant Colonel Yuthaphon Watthaseth swiftly assembled an investigative team comprising tourist police and officials from the Phuket Tourist Assistance Centre (TAC). They paid a visit to the residence of Steven’s father, David, located near the horse stables where the incidents occurred. Upon presenting David with the damning CCTV footage, he expressed utter disbelief and horror at his son’s alleged actions.
The police officers informed David of the legal implications and scheduled a meeting with both parties at the Thalang Police Station on March 16th to further discuss the matter.
Prapada, the distraught horse owner, recounted how she initially thought Steven was a harmless young man who simply enjoyed being around the animals. However, as she began to notice unusual behavior and physical signs of distress in the horses, her suspicions grew. Despite her initial hesitation due to a lack of concrete evidence in the first incident, Prapada decided to take action after installing CCTV cameras and capturing the disturbing footage.
On February 5th, Prapada heard strange noises coming from the stables and discovered Steven’s presence, though she remained uncertain about his actions at the time. It was not until March 10th, when she noticed mucus discharge from the genitals of another pregnant mare, that the horrifying truth was revealed – the CCTV footage clearly showed the young American inserting his hand inside the horse’s genitals.
Outraged by the despicable acts, Prapada and her husband promptly reported the incident to the Thalang Police Station, determined to seek justice for their beloved animals.
The Watchdog Thailand Foundation has taken a firm stance, sharing the disturbing video clip and messages on social media, questioning whether Steven’s visa should be revoked and if he should face legal prosecution. The case has drawn comparisons to a recent incident involving a Swiss national, David Fehr, who was accused of kicking a female doctor in Phuket and subsequently had his visa revoked last week.
