A British woman working at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand has been hospitalized with a severe brain hemorrhage following an alleged sexual assault and physical attack at a hotel in Phitsanulok. Authorities have arrested and charged a Thai national in connection with the incident.
Phitsanulok Attack Details Emerge
The alleged assault occurred in the early hours of June 6th at a hotel in Phitsanulok. According to police reports, the 35-year-old British woman and the accused, identified as 26-year-old Phattharaphon Wongbuangam, checked into a hotel room. Investigators allege that the attack began after the woman rejected the accused’s advances. She reportedly sustained significant injuries, including bruising and a black eye, while attempting to resist the alleged assailant before managing to reach the hotel reception for help.
Hotel staff immediately contacted emergency services upon seeing the woman’s condition. Paramedics and police arrived at the scene, and she was transported to Bangkok Hospital Phitsanulok. Medical professionals determined she had suffered a brain hemorrhage and underwent surgery to address the bleeding. The accused had reportedly fled the hotel premises before law enforcement arrived.
Investigation and Arrest
Police initiated a search for Mr. Wongbuangam, who was believed to have traveled a considerable distance, potentially towards Bangkok, which is approximately 390 kilometers from Phitsanulok. Investigators utilized CCTV footage to track his movements across various provinces. The breakthrough came on Saturday, June 4th, when he was apprehended at 10:30 PM as he disembarked from a bus in Phitsanulok. Reports indicated he was wearing the same clothing he had on the day of the alleged attack.
Police Captain Chananan Chaikawin of the Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station stated that the accused faces serious charges, including physical assault, causing grievous bodily harm, and rape. He confirmed that the woman told officers she had arrived in Thailand on October 19, 2025, on a work visa valid until October 19, 2026. Prior to the alleged incident, she was employed as an elephant caretaker at the Sappraiwan Elephant Resort.
“The complainant came to Thailand not for tourism, but to work,” Captain Chaikawin explained. “She works as an elephant caretaker at the Sappraiwan Elephant Resort.”
Authorities stated that the accused did not use a weapon during the alleged assault but employed punching and kicking. The woman has since been discharged from the hospital, though she remains under ongoing medical observation. The accused has been held in custody since his arrest.
Support and Legal Proceedings
The British Embassy has been informed of the incident. Arrangements are being made to provide an interpreter to assist the woman’s relatives as they navigate the investigation and legal proceedings. The outcome of the legal process against Mr. Wongbuangam is pending.
