28-2-2024 (BANGKOK) Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) apprehended a man known as “Toey Bang Pho,” accused of being a serial rapist who specifically preys on schoolgirls. The 40-year-old suspect, whose real name is Wissanu, was taken into custody by MPB officers in the elevator of a condominium building situated in the Tao Poon area.
The arrest followed an outstanding warrant issued by the Bangkok South Criminal Court on February 9, charging Mr. Wissanu with breaking into a residence and raping a child under the age of 13, irrespective of consent.
Leading the arresting team was Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, the chief investigator of the MPB. Details about the suspect’s real identity, Wissanu, were provided by the police.
Law enforcement officials stated that Mr. Wissanu is believed to have raped at least four schoolgirls, although there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward to report the crimes.
The suspect’s criminal activities first came to light on September 7, 2017, when he was initially arrested on charges of rape. In that instance, he had followed a student, posing as a hired driver. Instead of taking her home, he altered the route and parked beneath the Krung Thon Bridge, also known as Sang Hi. It was there that he assaulted and raped her after physically assaulting her.
Mr. Wissanu was subsequently apprehended and served time in prison. However, even after his release, he continued his alleged offenses, targeting a 12-year-old girl on October 30 of last year, according to Pol Maj Gen Theeradet.
In that instance, Mr. Wissanu lurked near the fire escape of a residential building in Bangkok’s Sathon district, where the victim resided. When the girl returned home alone from school, he allegedly followed her to her room. Once she opened the door, he approached from behind, covering her mouth to prevent her from calling for help, and forcibly took her inside, locking the door. He then proceeded to rape her and issued threats of harm if she disclosed the incident to anyone, as reported by the girl to the police.
Fortunately, a relative of the victim arrived at the scene, prompting her to cry out for assistance. Startled, the suspect fled the room. The relative accompanied the girl to file a complaint with the Thung Mahamek police. Investigators soon identified the attacker as Mr. Wissanu, also known as Toey Bang Pho. Subsequently, a court warrant was obtained, leading to his arrest.
The police revealed that Mr. Wissanu had been hiding in his girlfriend’s condominium unit within the building where he was apprehended in the elevator.
During initial interrogations, Mr. Wissanu vehemently denied all charges. He claimed to be a former civil servant and professed a fondness for children. Additionally, he asserted that all previous accusations against him involved consensual encounters, according to Thai media reports.
Pol Maj Gen Theeradet expressed skepticism regarding the suspect’s claims, stating that the police did not believe him. The chief investigator categorized the offender as a “serial rapist,” emphasizing that Mr. Wissanu had reoffended after his release from prison.
Pol Maj Gen Theeradet strongly believed that there were additional victims who may have refrained from reporting the crimes out of fear. He urged them to come forward and seek justice, assuring them that investigators were available round-the-clock to provide guidance and support through the IDMB Facebook page.
