A FRENCH tourist accused of raping a Brit teen in Thailand has been released after cops dropped the case.

Yohan Michael Tunka Buaga, 26, was arrested on the island of Koh Tao on April 7 and charged on April 9.

2 French national Yohan Michael Tunka Buaga is pictured at a Thai police station after being accused of rape Credit: Viral Press

He had been unable to leave the neighbouring island, Koh Samui, while police investigated.

Meanwhile, the claimant continued her backpacking trip across Asia – posting snaps online of herself drinking beer and partying.

Police have now released Buaga after witnesses came forward to say the pair had been kissing in a bar in front of other revellers.

CCTV also showed the couple walk together to his room, leave together to fetch a bottle of water, and return again to the room.

2 The Frenchman was accused of rape on Koh Tao (file image) Credit: Viral Press

Koh Tao Police Lieutenant Colonel Napha Senathit said officers noticed inconsistencies in the girl's story, but once the claims were made they had to continue the investigation.

He said today: ''All charges against the French tourist have been dropped and he is free to leave.

''There is no longer a case against him. The case has finished and there are no charges.''

Buaga told local media the investigation had cost him 200,000 baht (£4,630) for bail, 150,000 baht (£3,470) in legal fees.

He said other expenses and a new ticket had left him 450,000 baht (£10,400) out of pocket in total.

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Buaga said: ''We started to flirt, then we kissed in the bar in front of everybody.''

Yohan said he suggested the girl follow him to his room at the Wind Beach Resort and she ''agreed''. They then took selfies together.

He added: ''We had sex again in the morning, when nobody had anything to drink. I took her to a taxi in the morning and kissed her goodbye.

''I think she has been caught in her own lie and then forced to press charges not to lose face.''

Police Lieutenant Colonel Napha Senathit said: ''Actually we quickly realised he was innocent.

''But once a police investigation involving a foreigner is started, everything takes time.

"We have to send documentation to Bangkok, wait for drug results.

''The British Embassy didn’t contact us directly, we knew they were in contact with the mother of the alleged victim.''

Pol Lt Col Piyapong Boonkaew of Koh Tao police previously charged the Frenchman and told Reuters he was charged on April 9 after complaints from the girl.

He said at the time: ''The suspect has admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim, but he said that it was consensual and not rape.

''We are now investigating the case and waiting for forensic examination.''

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