BANGKOK — Thai authorities arrested an Iranian national at Suvarnabhumi Airport early Tuesday as he attempted to leave the country, following allegations that he sexually harassed a female motorcycle taxi driver in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district.
The incident occurred on the evening of February 23 when the driver, identified by police under the pseudonym Namphung, transported the suspect. According to her complaint, the passenger, later identified as 31-year-old Mohsen from Iran, inappropriately touched her chest and body while riding as a passenger. Despite her attempts to stop him and push his hands away, the harassment allegedly continued.
Namphung reported that she initially tried to drive toward a main road to seek police assistance, but the suspect convinced her to turn back. When the harassment persisted, she used a translation app to demand he stop and respect women, but he ignored her. She then jumped off her motorcycle near a police booth at the Wireless Road intersection and called for help, prompting the man to flee without paying his fare.
She later filed a police report at Lumphini Police Station, where she also attempted to arrange a meeting with the suspect. However, he did not appear and instead allegedly offered financial compensation while denying the accusations. Namphung refused and insisted on pursuing legal action.
Following the complaint, police reviewed CCTV footage and other evidence, leading the court to issue an arrest warrant on February 24 for charges related to indecent acts using force against a person unable to resist. Later that evening, investigators were informed that Suvarnabhumi Airport police had detained Mohsen as he prepared to depart Thailand.
He was held overnight by immigration authorities before being transferred to Lumphini Police Station for further legal proceedings. Officials noted that the station’s lead investigator, a female officer, preferred to conduct questioning during daytime hours.
