Thai Police Accused of Failing to Protect British Tourist from Rape

Strategic Insights -

A British teenager has come forward with an alarming account of how she was raped by two men in Koh Samui, Thailand, just three weeks after backpacker Katherine Horton was murdered on the same island. Corrie-Anne Holt, 18, alleges that Thai police were more concerned with protecting the island's reputation as a tourist destination than in catching her attackers. She claims that officers botched forensic tests and encouraged her to keep the incident quiet to avoid harming tourism. Corrie's ordeal raises concerns that local officials are trying to downplay similar incidents in the wake of the Horton case.

Key Takeaways:

  • Corrie-Anne Holt, a British teenager, was raped by two men in Koh Samui, Thailand, just three weeks after backpacker Katherine Horton was murdered on the same island.
  • Thai police allegedly failed to protect Corrie, who was drugged and dragged out of a bar in front of police officers before being repeatedly violated.
  • Corrie's father, Edward, claims that Thai police did not notify the British Embassy about his daughter's ordeal, only informing them after he phoned the Foreign Office in London.
  • The two men convicted of Katherine Horton's rape and murder await execution in Thailand, but Corrie's case has raised fears that local officials are desperate to play down similar incidents.
  • Corrie's case highlights the culture of contempt towards foreign women in Thailand, with many expats reporting that women who dress modestly and are respectful of local customs are often seen as less likely to be victims of crime.
  • Thai police claimed that they had done all they could to track down Corrie's attackers, but the case has sparked outrage among tourists and locals alike.
  • The incident has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in Thailand, particularly in Koh Samui, which was previously considered a safe and popular destination.
  • Corrie's fragile health has made her experience even more traumatic, and she has bravely waived her anonymity to warn others about the dangers of Koh Samui.

Statistics:

  • At least three British women have been raped in Koh Samui in the past month, including Corrie-Anne Holt.
  • Corrie's attackers were taken into custody, but DNA test results have not been released three weeks after the incident.
  • Thai police have admitted to not notifying the British Embassy about Corrie's ordeal for over three weeks.
  • Only 4pm did Corrie finally manage to call her family after the incident.

Sources:

  • The Mail on Sunday, January 27, 2019, "British tourist's horrific ordeal on 'sin city' island"
  • A Foreign Office spokesman
  • The Guardian, "British woman raped in Thailand as tourist authorities accused of covering up sex attacks"