Man held over British girl’s rape in Thailand

A FRENCH citizen has been charged with raping a teenage British backpacker at a popular resort in Thailand.

The alleged attack took place on Koh Tao, an island that draws divers from all over the world.

The 18-year-old backpacker, whose name has been withheld, claims she was drugged before being raped.

Thai police identified the suspect as 26-year-old French national, Yohan Michael Tunka Buaga. He was arrested on Saturday and charged with rape on Monday.

Police are holding him on the nearby island of Koh Samui. ‘The suspect has admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim, but he said that it was consensual and not rape,’ said Piyapong Boonkaew, a spokesman for the police force on Koh Tao.

The lieutenant colonel added: ‘We are now investigating the case and waiting for forensic examination.’

The offence is said to have taken place last Wednesday.

Koh Tao made headlines in 2014 when the bodies of British backpackers Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were found on one of the island’s beaches having been bludgeoned to death.

Two Myanmar migrant workers, Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun, were found guilty in 2015 of killing the pair.

Thailand remains a popular destination for travellers on a budget and tourism is a vital part of the economy.

But a spate of crimes against visitors in recent years has raised questions about tourist safety in the country.

Lawyers for both the suspect and the alleged victim could not be reached for comment.