A 47-year-old man has been accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Buri Ram province over nearly two years, prompting the girl's paternal grandfather to urge police to arrest the suspect and investigate allegations that the girl's maternal grandmother helped conceal the abuse.
The Mathayom 2 (Grade 8) student, whose name is withheld, was assaulted by her maternal grandmother's partner and was threatened into silence, according to family members.
Relatives alleged the grandmother arranged a contraceptive implant to prevent pregnancy and hide the assaults. Those claims have not been independently verified.
The girl reportedly confided in her paternal grandfather on June 1, and her aunt accompanied her to file a complaint at Krasang police station the next day.
Family members said the suspect later went to the grandfather's home on two consecutive nights after learning of the complaint, allegedly attempting to take the girl back and intimidate relatives. Fearing for their safety, the family sought help from social media influencer Or Pairat.
Mr Subin confiding with reporters. (Photo Supplied: Surachai Piragsa)
On Monday, the grandfather, identified only as Subin, accompanied by the victim's biological father, a Buddhist monk, and other relatives, called on authorities to bring the suspect to justice. Mr Subin said he was devastated by what his granddaughter had endured and urged police to arrest the suspect as soon as possible.
The victim's aunt said the family only learned of the assaults after the girl disclosed them earlier this month. She said the child had been living with her maternal grandmother and the woman's partner following the death of the girl's great-grandfather.
After receiving the complaint, Or Pairat visited the area and urged authorities to ensure the girl receives psychological support and that legal action is taken.
Officials from the Buri Ram Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security have provided initial assistance and mental health support to the child.
Photo Supplied: Surachai Piragsa
When reporters visited the house where the abuse allegedly took place, it was locked and appeared deserted. Villagers said the couple had sold their cattle and left the area.
Police have obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect and are continuing efforts to locate him.
