Local residents came to the aid of a 74-year-old Thai woman who was targeted by her 42-year-old distant relative for a sexual assault in the Satuek district of the Isaan province of Buriram.
The victim, Mongpramoon, reported to officers at Satuek Police Station that her distant relative, Uthen Jampanuan, not only stole 400 baht from her but also attempted to rape her on the morning of January 24. Fortunately, quick intervention by her neighbors prevented the assault.
Uthen was brought in for questioning on the same day and admitted to the crimes. He disclosed that he had been drinking alcohol with a friend since 3 pm on January 23, continuing until the following day. Uthen confessed to watching pornography and experiencing sexual desires while under the influence. Despite being divorced for six years and having no current relationship, he decided to target Mongpramoon, assuming she had never been married or had sexual experiences and lived alone.
Finding Mongpramoon absent upon entering her house, Uthen took the opportunity to steal 400 baht in cash and a carton of milk from the fridge. He then waited for her in her bedroom, where he attempted to assault her upon her return. Mongpramoon’s screams prompted neighbors to intervene and rescue her from the attack. Uthen expressed remorse, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his actions towards a relative in the heat of the moment.
Mongpramoon, recounting the incident to Amarin TV, mentioned noticing unfamiliar shoes outside her house, initially thinking they belonged to a neighbor. She described Uthen’s attempt to strangle her, making it difficult to breathe, and his efforts to remove her sarong while touching her private parts. Given her underlying health conditions, including diabetes, cerebral hemorrhage, and high blood pressure, she emphasized the potential life-threatening nature of the situation without timely assistance.
Uthen now faces four charges, including trespassing (Section 364 of the Criminal Law), stealing property (Section 334 of the Criminal Law), committing an obscene act through intimidation or violence (Section 278 of the Criminal Law), and physically assaulting another person (Section 295 of the Criminal Law). The penalties for these offenses range from imprisonment to fines, depending on the specific charge.
