8-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Law enforcement authorities apprehended a 29-year-old man on charges of drugging and sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl after a video documenting the abuse went viral on social media. The suspect, identified as Weerayut Saenchai, was arrested by officers from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau at the Wang Lang Market in Bangkok Noi district on Sunday.
During a press conference, Pol Maj Gen Teeradet Thammasuthee, the commander of the Investigation Division, revealed that Weerayut had been in a relationship with his ex-girlfriend since 2019. The ex-girlfriend had a daughter from a previous relationship who was around 8 years old at the time. The abuse of the girl began when she was approximately 11 years old. In 2022, Weerayut broke up with his girlfriend and started living with her daughter as a couple.
According to Pol Maj Gen Teeradet, Weerayut subjected the girl to drug use and sexual exploitation. He also attempted to persuade her to drop out of school and leave her mother permanently. Following his arrest, Weerayut confessed to forcing the girl to consume drugs and engage in sexual acts with him.
Authorities revealed that Weerayut had a criminal history involving drug use, theft, child abduction, and sexual exploitation. Expressing remorse for his actions, Weerayut issued an apology to the victim’s family and vowed not to repeat the offense. He also offered to surrender to the police if additional victims came forward to identify him, potentially leading to further charges.
Pol Maj Gen Teeradet emphasized that his team is available 24/7 to respond to reports of child abuse. He encouraged the public to contact them via phone or social media to report any such incidents, assuring prompt action from law enforcement.
The case has sparked outrage and raised concerns about child protection and the need for stricter measures to prevent such heinous crimes. The authorities have called for increased vigilance and urged the public to report any suspicious activities or suspected cases of child abuse.
Child welfare and protection organizations have stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for children and called for comprehensive education and awareness programs to combat child abuse. They have urged parents, guardians, and communities to be actively involved in safeguarding children and providing support to victims.
The arrest of Weerayut and the subsequent investigation serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating child abuse and the crucial role played by law enforcement agencies and the public in ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
The case is ongoing, and authorities are continuing their investigation to gather more evidence and identify any potential additional victims.
