Bus driver wanted for indecent assault on teenager caught after 15 years

Sukhachot Khunnasil, 36, was arrested in Prawet district, Bangkok on a 15-year-old sexual assault charge. (Supplied photo via Wassayos Ngamkham)

A bus driver wanted for an indecent assault on a teenage girl almost 15 years ago was arrested in Prawet district, Bangkok on Tuesday. The statute of limitations for the charge was due to expire in early July.

Sukhachot Khunnasil, 36, wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Thanyaburi provincial court for indecent assault and depriving a girl aged under 18 of parental care, was apprehended at Sukthavorn Apartment in Don Mai area of Prawet district.

The alleged offence took place on July 4, 2004 when Mr Sukhachot, then a motorcycle taxi driver, is accused of luring a 16-year-old girl from her house and committing indecent assault. The victim’s parents filed a complaint after becoming aware of the incident, said Pol Col Marut Kanchanakhanthakul, superintendent of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division’s sub-division 1.

The suspect was on the run for almost 15 years, and the statute of limitations for the case would expire on July 4, said Pol Col Marut.

During the interrogation, Mr Sukhachot allegedly admitted to the charges. He was taken to Khukhod police station for legal action.