BANGKOK — Immigration police have arrested a 31-year-old Azerbaijani man accused of raping a Thai woman he met through a dating application, as part of a broader crackdown on foreign nationals committing crimes in Thailand, Siam Rath reported.

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The suspect, identified only as Yousef, was apprehended on August 25 near Bangkok’s historic Giant Swing and San Chao Pho Suea Shrine after a four-day manhunt. The arrest followed a July complaint by a 25-year-old woman, known as Ms. B, who stated that the man—who had falsely presented himself as Italian—assaulted her at her Din Daeng residence after becoming enraged upon discovering she communicated with other foreigners online.

An Immigration Bureau spokesman announced the operation, emphasizing that senior officers had been directed to intensify investigations in areas frequented by tourists and expatriates. Forensic evidence collected from the victim’s home led the Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant.

Yousef has denied the allegations and requested legal representation before providing testimony. He faces charges of rape, which carry a penalty of 4 to 20 years imprisonment and fines ranging from 80,000 to 400,000 baht. If convicted, he will be blacklisted and permanently barred from re-entering Thailand.

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The case highlights ongoing concerns about crimes linked to online dating platforms and underscores authorities’ efforts to hold foreign offenders accountable. The suspect remains in custody as proceedings continue.

-Thailand News (TN)