A 38-year-old man has been arrested after sending messages to his mother requesting sexual favours, prompting her to seek police protection out of fear for her safety.
The suspect was apprehended in Bangkok at 5.30pm on Wednesday by officers from the Samrong Tai police station in Samut Prakan, with assistance from volunteers with the Gun Jompalang Foundation, following a complaint filed by his mother.
The arrest took place in a community near the Phra Khanong Canal in Suan Luang district. Authorities charged the man with sexual harassment causing distress and disrupting a person’s normal life, said Pol Col Piyawat Patcharaniyatham, superintendent of the Samrong Tai station.
The case first came to public attention after the Facebook page of social activist Guntouch “Gun Jompalang” Pongpaiboonwet, who has 10 million followers, shared details of the woman’s ordeal.
According to the complaint, the suspect reportedly told neighbours that he and his mother were husband and wife. The woman said she became increasingly concerned about her safety as her son’s behaviour grew more disturbing.
Leaked images of the son’s texts to his mother posted on the Facebook page prompted widespread social dismay. Commenters expressed anger at the grown man’s actions and sympathy for the mother having to endure harassment.
The woman told authorities that the way her son looked at her had changed and was no longer that of a son toward his mother. She also claimed he suffered from hallucinations, heard voices and frequently displayed violent behaviour.
During initial questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted to sending a message through the LINE application asking his mother to have sexual intercourse with him.
Police said the man appeared to still be experiencing hallucinations while being transported after his arrest, speaking incoherently at times. He reportedly admitted to having used methamphetamine earlier that morning.
Investigators said the offence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, and/or fine of up to 40,000 baht.
The suspect remains in police custody while authorities wait for him to sober up before conducting further questioning and proceeding with legal action.
