Man accused of assaulting, raping schoolgirl denied bail

>> SONGKHLA: A man accused of raping a high school student in Hat Yai earlier this month has been denied bail after police described him as a flight risk.

The suspect was yesterday taken to the Songkhla provincial court where police sought court approval to detain him for questioning for 12 days.

Local authorities have also found the apartment in Hat Yai where the student was allegedly raped is not registered as a legal dormitory.

Prai Pattano, mayor of Hat Yai municipality, said the local administration will ask the provincial excise department in Hat Yai district to look into the tax records of the Landmark Residence whose owner is accused of assaulting and raping a female Mathayom 6 female student.

Krisada Yandwisedpakdi, 46, proprietor of Landmark Residence on Chaliew Uthit Road, was arrested on Friday shortly after the provincial court issued a warrant for his arrest.

The suspect was initially charged with rape and physical assault after the girl’s parents lodged a complaint accusing the owner of attacking their daughter at the dormitory on April 11 by using an electric stun gun to immobilise her.

Local authorities stepped in after police investigators say relevant authorities will be asked to look into the apartment’s licences and tax records.

Mr Prai said the Hat Yai municipal officials are examining whether the apartment, which is known to be popular among students, has been modified and if it had a permit to do so.

Mr Krisada, wearing a face mask, sunglasses and a cap, refused to talk to reporters when he was escorted into the court.

The man was arrested in a soi in Hat Yai district, not far from the Landmark Residence where the alleged rape took place. He denied the charges during the questioning saying he would testify in court only.

The apartment was declared off-limits to reporters; only forensic officials were allowed in.

Officers were also asked to sign their names upon entering and leaving.