Rape suspect has to stay in police custody

>>The Thonburi Criminal Court yesterday granted a police request to detain a security guard, accused of raping a condo resident in Bangkok, for further questioning.

The suspect was identified as Montri Yaikrathok, 41, head of security at a Bang Khae district condominium, arrested on Thursday in Sa Kaeo province after he allegedly assaulted the resident.

Police yesterday sought a court order to detain him for questioning for 12 days from Jan 8–19, saying they would have to question four more witnesses and were waiting for forensic examination results.

Police also asked the court to deny the suspect bail due to concerns that he would flee or interfere in the handling of witnesses. The court granted the police request, while the suspect’s family did not submit a bail request for him.

Pol Capt Kritayaporn Thadkaew, deputy inspector at Phetkasem station, said police questioned the condo’s staff and security team, who are accused of being uncooperative and denying the victim’s relatives access to her room to help her on the night of the incident.

The suspect was initially charged with rape and trespassing at night, to which he confessed during his interrogation, police said.

In a media interview before being taken to court, the suspect said he was drunk that night. He said he did not carry a weapon nor handcuff the victim as reported in the media.

The case has sparked criticism of the condo’s management team for being uncooperative.

The suspect’s security company is also being scrutinised for allegedly hiring him despite having a criminal record. According to police, the man has been convicted and imprisoned twice before.

Police spokesman Pol Maj Gen Yingyot Thepjamnong said the security company will face punishment. The suspect said he was sorry for his actions, which brought shame to his family, his company and the condo.