Thai Bar Host Arrested After British Woman Allegedly Raped in Hotel
Thai Bar Host Arrested After British Woman Allegedly Raped in Hotel
BANGKOK, 8 July 2026 — A 26-year-old Thai bar host has been arrested over the alleged rape and serious assault of a 35-year-old British woman at a hotel in Phitsanulok, leaving her with a brain bleed that required surgery.
Police arrested Phattharaphon Wongbuangam on Saturday, 4 July 2026, following an investigation into the alleged attack, which occurred at the U-Thong Hotel in the early hours of 6 June. He has been charged with rape and physical assault causing grievous bodily harm.
According to investigators, the suspect and the British woman checked into a hotel room together in the early hours of the morning. Police allege the man attacked her after she rejected his sexual advances.
The woman reportedly suffered serious injuries while attempting to defend herself but managed to reach the hotel reception area to seek help. Staff contacted police and emergency medical services after finding her bleeding and suffering visible injuries, including a black eye.
She was taken to Bangkok Hospital Phitsanulok, where doctors performed surgery to treat a brain bleed. The suspect allegedly fled the hotel before police arrived.
Investigators subsequently launched a manhunt after learning that the suspect had travelled to Bangkok. Police used CCTV footage to identify him and tracked his movements across several provinces.
Officers arrested him at around 10.30pm on Saturday as he got off a bus in Phitsanulok. Police said he was still wearing the same clothes he had allegedly worn on the night of the attack.
Pol Capt Chananan Chaikawin of Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station said the woman had arrived in Thailand on 19 October 2025 on a work visa valid until 19 October 2026.
Police clarified that she was not visiting Thailand as a tourist but was working as an elephant caretaker at Sappraiwan Elephant Resort.
According to police, no weapon was used during the alleged attack, but investigators accused the suspect of repeatedly punching and kicking the woman.
The alleged victim has since been discharged from hospital but remains under medical observation as she continues her recovery.
Police said the suspect has been remanded in custody while legal proceedings continue. The British Embassy has been informed of the case, and authorities said an interpreter will assist the woman’s relatives during the investigation and subsequent legal process.
