KRABI - Police in Krabi have uploaded a video clip "The Truth from Krabi" to YouTube to explain the legal process in connection with the sexual assault of a Dutch tourist by a Thai tour guide and to counter the claim by the victim's father that authorities allowed "easy" bail for the suspect.
In the four-and-a-half minute clip, with no English subtitles, police say Krabi’s tourism sector had been hit hard by the "Evil Man from Krabi" clip posted on the internet last month by the father of the 19-year-old model.
According to the father, the tour guide was able to avoid police for about a month and he was allowed "easy" bail by the authorities after being captured. He also details other violent incidents in the in Ao Nang area involving tourists that he claims were covered up by the authorities.
However, the Krabi police argue that they strictly followed the legal process and that the laws in Thailand and the Netherlands are different.
The police explain that they are in charge of investigation. If the evidence proves that a crime has been committed, the case is submitted to the prosecutors. If the prosecutors agree, they are responsible for taking the case to the court. The final decision rests with the court, including whether a suspect’s bail request should be granted.
The police say relatives of the rape victim might not understand the Thai justice system and thus made the "Evil Man from Krabi" video.
It is a stark video in black and white and features an angry man with a rifle singing for help "to put the Raperman from Krabi into jail".
The Krabi police explain in the video that they are in charge of investigation and the case is submitted to prosecutors if the evidence indicates a crime has been committed. If the prosecutors agree, they are responsible for taking the case to the court. The final decision rests with the court, including whether a suspect’s bail request should be granted.
After "The Truth from Krabi" was posted to the internet, many Thai netizens criticised the police handling of the case.
"Police want to give fair treatment? The attacker raped the woman, so how can there be fair treatment? My country's really civilised," one of Thai netizens said sarcastically on YouTube.
Another said police have to wait for the investigation result, witnesses and evidence, and this would allow the attacker to commit more crimes.
"Ha ha ha, these are the laws of Thailand."
Krabi police were also criticised for not putting English subtitles into their clip.
"How can foreigners understand when they [police] don't speak English and there are no subtitles? Thailand only!!!"