A 29-year-old national from Laos has come forward with serious allegations against her employers, claiming she was subjected to a brutal assault and held against her will for over six hours. The incident, which reportedly occurred on August 2, involves accusations of physical violence, unlawful detention, and the confiscation of her passport, stemming from a dispute over missing restaurant revenue.
Allegations of Assault and Unlawful Detention
The Lao worker, identified in reports as Fon, detailed her harrowing experience to Bang Yai Police Station on September 11. She claims that her employers, a couple operating a pork leg rice restaurant in the Sao Thong Hin subdistrict of Bang Yai, accused her of stealing 190,000 baht from the establishment. Fon vehemently denies these accusations, stating that a search conducted by her employers yielded no evidence to support their claims.
According to Fon’s account, the alleged assault began with the male employer, who was later joined by his wife. She described a violent encounter where she was reportedly hit, kicked, struck with a chair, and had her head slammed against the floor. This physical altercation is said to have lasted approximately ten minutes. Following the assault, Fon claims she was confined to a room for several hours. She eventually managed to escape with the assistance of a colleague. The worker reported sustaining injuries to her face, back, arms, and other parts of her body as a result of the alleged attack.
Passport Confiscation and Threats
Adding to the severity of the allegations, Fon also stated that her passport was taken by her employers. Furthermore, she reported receiving threats of death if she attempted to flee. These claims have raised significant concerns regarding her safety and well-being.
Police Investigation and Potential Charges
Upon receiving the complaint, police officers from Bang Yai Police Station visited the premises. They observed that the front of the property operated as a restaurant, while the rear appeared to be involved in the sale of untaxed cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and kratom drinks. The establishment was closed at the time of the police inspection.
Police Colonel Sirapop Anusiri, superintendent of Bang Yai Police Station, confirmed that the investigation is underway. Officers plan to conduct a more detailed interview with the Lao worker and intend to issue a summons for her former employer. Preliminary charges being prepared include assault, unlawful detention, making threats that instill fear, and snatch theft in relation to the alleged seizure of the passport.
Colonel Sirapop emphasized that the employer’s status as a government official would not impede the investigation, assuring that the case would be handled impartially and according to legal procedures.
Excise Department Launches Internal Inquiry
The allegations have also prompted a separate investigation by the Excise Department, to which the male employer reportedly belongs. On September 12, the department announced it had initiated an inquiry into both the alleged assault and the claims that its employee might be involved in the sale of untaxed or illegal goods. The department has pledged full cooperation with the police and other relevant agencies. It stated that disciplinary or criminal action would be pursued if its internal investigation uncovers any wrongdoing.
As of the latest reports, no findings from the Excise Department’s investigation have been made public. Similarly, law enforcement officials had not yet announced any arrests or confirmed the service of the summons on the accused individuals.
Conclusion
This case highlights serious allegations of worker mistreatment and potential illegal activities. The ongoing investigations by both the police and the Excise Department are expected to shed further light on the events that transpired and determine the appropriate legal recourse. The outcome will be crucial in ensuring justice for the alleged victim and upholding labor laws and regulations.
