Police have filed three charges against the suspect in the Koh Samet attempted rape and murder case, as Rayong officials move to tighten security and restore tourist confidence.
Rayong Governor Traiphop Wongtrairat led a press conference today, June 5, to explain the case and announce new security measures.
He was joined by Rayong Provincial Administrative Organisation president Piya Pitutecha, Rayong Provincial Police commander Major General Pramote Ngampradit, and Mueang Rayong district chief Kitipong Urawat.
Police filed three charges against the suspect: night-time trespassing, attempted rape and indecent assault, and online gambling after investigators found evidence on his mobile phone.
Traiphop apologised to the victim and said Rayong province was not ignoring the case. He ordered the Rayong Damrongtham Centre to contact the victim urgently to arrange support for psychological recovery and damages.
The governor said tourist safety remained the province’s top priority. He added that no serious crimes involving life, physical harm, or property had been recorded on Koh Samet during the past three months.
Traiphop said the island has eight stationed police officers, along with local leaders, volunteers, and national park officials, and said the available personnel were ready to oversee safety in the area.
For longer-term measures, Rayong officials called an urgent meeting with tourism associations, hotel operators, and private businesses to strengthen security at all accommodation sites.
The governor also ordered district officials, police, marine officials, Immigration Bureau officers, and Tourist Police to work together on stricter inspections.
Officials will monitor food prices, room rates, and passenger boat fares to prevent visitors from being overcharged, especially during the weekend travel period and future tourism peaks.
Amarin TV reported that businesses linked to Koh Samet tourism said the incident had already affected visitor numbers. A souvenir vendor in Phe subdistrict, the main departure point for the island, said tourists and customers had dropped noticeably after news of the break-in spread online.
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