Man apologises after indecent act against reporter, cites alcohol

A man accused of committing an indecent act against a female reporter during Songkran celebrations in Bangkok has apologised, claiming he was intoxicated and not in control of his actions.

Officers from Pathumwan police station took the suspect into custody and brought him before the South Bangkok Criminal Court to seek approval for his detention.

The suspect, identified as ‘Methasit’ (surname withheld), is accused of inappropriately touching a female reporter while she was on duty covering Songkran festivities on Rama IV Road during the evening of April 13.

While being escorted to a police vehicle, the man told reporters that he wanted to apologise to the victim, saying he had been heavily intoxicated.

He insisted he had no intention of harassing her and expressed regret over the incident, adding that he had not previously had a chance to apologise directly.

According to police, the incident occurred near a pharmacy on Rama IV Road while the reporter was typing her story by the roadside. She felt someone touch her and turned to see a man walking past.

At first, she asked him, “Where are you from?” assuming he was a foreigner, but he replied in Thai.

After she identified herself as a reporter, the suspect became agitated and allegedly attempted to assault her before a police officer intervened and detained him.

He has been charged with committing an indecent act in public, but denied the allegation during questioning. Investigators are gathering further evidence, including reviewing CCTV footage from the area.

Police have opposed bail, citing concerns that the suspect could interfere with evidence and noting that authorities are in the process of determining whether there are other victims.