(12 October) The police have arrested a self-styled astrologer who allegedly lured his victim to a private ceremony at a motel room in suburban Bangkok and raped her there.
Speaking at a press conference, Pol.Col. Chotiwat Luengwilai said the police received a complaint from a 20 year old woman that she met with Mr. Pakin Thanawaswong, 32, who claimed to be an online astrologer, for a fortune reading at a shopping mall in Pin Klao district.
According to the victim, Mr. Pakin charged her 2,000 baht for the fee and told her that her reading portended a great calamity which could only be exorcised in a private ceremony at a secluded location. Mr. Pakin then allegedly suggested they meet in a motel room nearby.
When the victim arrived, Pol.Col. Chotiwat said, Mr. Pakin lit the incenses, prayed, and convinced the woman to strip naked so he could put magical wax on her. Once the victim complied, the suspect allegedly raped her and stole cash of 2,000 baht from the victim before he fled the scene.
The police eventually arrested Mr. Pakin on 10 October after the victim collaborated with the police and told him to meet her for another fortune reading at the shopping mall. He admitted to the police he had committed the crime in this manner for five times, changing his names after each crime.
Police investigation into his bank account reveals that he charges his victims 500-2,000 baht for the fortune reading.
Pol.Col. Chotiwat said the citizens should be cautious when communicating with strangers on the internet, as they might have ill intention and lure the unsuspecting victims into crimes. He also urged other victims of Mr. Pakin to contact the police and press charges against the man.
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