Bangkok – As crowds flocked to Silom for the lively Songkran water festival, authorities in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan district have issued a stark warning to the public about proper behavior after quickly detaining a foreign Caucasian man accused of indecent assault and threatening a woman.
The incident took place around 4:30 p.m. on April 13th, 2026, in front of a pharmacy on Rama IV Road in Pathum Wan district, near the popular Silom Songkran celebration area.
Police Sergeant Major Dulaywat Chomsue, a traffic assistant from Pathum Wan Police Station who was on duty managing the event, responded immediately after hearing the victim shout for help. She reported that a man had committed an indecent act against her in front of the pharmacy.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the suspect, identified only as Mr. M, around 40 years old, with white skin and a shave head, being confronted by several good Samaritans. The man appeared intoxicated and aggressive. He resisted arrest, protested loudly, and slurred his words while denying any wrongdoing.
The victim filed a formal complaint at Pathum Wan Police Station. Witnesses also reported that the suspect had earlier allegedly pulled down another woman’s pants in a similar incident.
The suspect was transferred to the station commander, Pol. Col. Sirichat Chantaprom, for further questioning. He continued to deny the allegations during initial interrogation, claiming he was drunk and wasn’t responsible for his actions as a result of heavy intoxication.
Preliminary charges of indecent assault have been filed against him, and the case has been forwarded to investigators at Pathum Wan Police Station for legal proceedings. Thai judges have been warning for a week that sexual assault during Songkran could bring years in jail and high fines in the hundreds of thousands of Baht.
Authorities described the arrest as a timely reminder during the crowded Songkran festivities. They urged people, especially women, to stay vigilant in dense crowds, shout for help immediately if harassed, and report incidents to police without delay.
