Bangkok Police Arrest Polish Man Who Claimed Harassment Was ‘Just Minor’

The Metropolitan Police arrest Mr. Piotr, a 31-year-old Polish national, at a condominium on Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Road on Jan. 14, 2025.

BANGKOK — Metropolitan police have arrested a Polish national who allegedly sexually harassed a Thai woman at a convenience store in the Sathorn area. The suspect refused to apologize, claiming it was “just a minor incident.”

The victim, identified only as Ms. A, reported to Thung Mahamek Police Station that while shopping at a convenience store, an unknown foreign man suddenly and forcefully slapped her bottom. Initially thinking it was a friend playing a prank, she turned around to find an unfamiliar foreign man. The incident left her feeling humiliated, especially as other customers and store staff witnessed the assault.

 

After consulting with acquaintances about her legal rights, Ms. A filed a police report. She initially only wanted an apology from the perpetrator. However, when summoned by police through his accommodation agent, the suspect refused to appear, stating, “I didn’t hit hard, and I’ve done this many times at entertainment venues without any complaints. I didn’t do anything wrong.” He further claimed that such actions weren’t legally punishable and mentioned his plans to leave the country soon.

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This response prompted Ms. A to pursue legal action. The Metropolitan Police subsequently arrested Mr. Piotr, a 31-year-old Polish national, at his condominium on Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Road. He was charged with “committing an indecent act against a person over fifteen years of age by force in public.”

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“CCTV footage confirms the incident where a Polish man inappropriately touched a woman at a convenience store.

During his arrest, Mr. Piotr acknowledged being the person in the CCTV footage but maintained that he didn’t respond to the police summons because he considered it a minor issue and believed it wasn’t illegal.

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Police Major General Theeradej Thammasuthee, Commander of the Investigation Division, emphasized that while Thailand welcomes tourists from around the world, visitors must respect Thai laws, customs, and culture. He noted that such acts of indecency carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment under Thai law, regardless of the perpetrator’s nationality.

The police have urged any other potential victims of the suspect to come forward through the Metropolitan Police Investigation Division’s IDMB page, assuring that all cases will be thoroughly investigated, regardless of their severity.

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