Police find no evidence on Koh Tao rape claim

SURAT THANI, Aug 30 (TNA) – The police have not yet found evidence on a rape claim on Koh Tao, said deputy Tourist Police chief Pol Maj Gen Surachet Hakpan. He said according to the instigation on the scene, the claim is still baseless. The date when the British tourist said she was drugged and raped on a beach on June 26 was one day before the full moon, so the beach was flooded by the high tide and wave. It is impossible that the rape occurred on that beach. Moreover, the place was crowded with tourists to watch the World Cup matches on that night and many officials patrolled the area. No trace of semen was found at the scene or the room she stayed, he said. If the case is fabricated, a legal action will be taken against the culprits. Meanwhile, National police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda said Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon ordered the investigation to prove the fact. So far, about 20 witnesses have been questioned. Responding to a report that the mother of the 19-year-old British tourist will travel to file a complaint in Thailand, the police chief said she can do it within three months of the incident. The fact-finding committee continues working on the case, given the seven-day timeframe. (TNA)