Bar host, 26, arrested over 'rape of British worker, 35, in hotel room' in Thailand
A Thai bar host was arrested for allegedly beating and raping a British woman in her hotel room - leaving her with severe injuries.
Male escort Phattharaphon Wongbuangam, 26, was reportedly drinking with the alleged victim, 35, before returning to her room in Phitsanulok, Thailand.
The pair were said to have been drunk as they checked in together at the U-Thong Hotel in the early hours of June 6.
But the Thai man was said to have assaulted the Brit, who had been working at an elephant sanctuary, later that morning, when she found him in her bed and rejected his sexual advances.
The British woman allegedly suffered serious injuries as she fended off the alleged attacker before rushing to the reception desk to seek help.
Staff then called police and paramedics as she was bleeding with numerous bruises and a black eye. She was rushed to Bangkok Hospital Phitsanulok, where she underwent surgery for brain bleeding.
However, Phattharaphon managed to escape before officers arrived.
Police launched a manhunt for the bar host, who was said to have fled to Bangkok, some 390 kilometres (241 miles) away.
They identified him through CCTV footage and traced his movements across provinces.
Phattharaphon was arrested on July 4 while disembarking from a bus in Phitsanulok at 10:30 pm local time.
Officers said he was wearing the same clothes on the day of the alleged assault.
Police Captain Chananan Chaikawin of Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station said the suspect was charged with physical assault, causing grievous bodily harm, and rape by using physical violence.
The alleged victim told officers she entered Thailand on October 19, 2025, on a work visa valid until October 19, 2026. She claimed she had been working at an elephant resort before the alleged attack happened.
The police chief said: 'The complainant came to Thailand not for tourism, but to work.
‘She works as an elephant caretaker at the Sappraiwan Elephant Resort.
‘The complainant and the suspect had only recently met. They got to know each other at a tourism destination before returning to the hotel room together.
‘Both the man and the woman were intoxicated. A physical assault then occurred in the morning.
‘It is unclear whether the incident was influenced by intoxication. The woman willingly went with him to the room during the night, but in the morning, she says that she no longer consented.
‘She later informed hotel staff that she had been assaulted.
‘She sustained bruising to her eye socket, head and body.
‘Doctors found bleeding on her brain and classified her injuries as severe.
‘She underwent surgery and requires approximately two months to recover.
‘She has now been discharged from hospital and remains under medical observation.
‘The suspect did not use a weapon but forcefully punched and kicked the complainant.
‘There were no signs of a struggle in the guest room, although it was slightly untidy.
‘The complainant stated that she resisted during the assault. No property was stolen.
‘His actions constitute rape and physical assault before he fled from the scene.
‘The evidence includes CCTV footage from the hotel showing the pair entering together, the suspect's confession, and clothing matching what he was wearing in the CCTV footage.
‘We advised the complainant to apply for compensation through the Provincial Justice Office, but we do not know the amount she may receive.
‘We arrested the suspect after a warrant was issued, and he has since been remanded in prison.'
Officials said the British Embassy has been notified, and an interpreter has been arranged to assist the alleged victim's relatives with the police investigation and legal procedures.
