The 56-year-old’ family friend’ tortured his mate’s 10-year-old granddaughter with death threats for three years.

A 56-year-old man has been arrested in Nakhonratchasima province, accused of systematically sexually abusing a minor for three years. The victim was the granddaughter of a former close friend of the suspect, making the situation particularly tragic.

The case became public after the girl’s 53-year-old grandfather sought help from the Paveena Foundation for the Protection of Children and Women via Facebook on April 30. He reported that his 10-year-old granddaughter had been sexually harassed by a man known only as ‘Song.’

According to the grandfather, Song was once very close to their family. He often played with the girl, bought her sweets, and even gave her a mobile phone. The family thought he just loved children and was unaware of his true intentions.

The abuse is believed to have started when the girl was just seven years old and continued until April 4 this year. The child was threatened with death if she told anyone about what was happening, forcing her to keep quiet and suffer.

The latest incident took place in a cassava field near the family’s home. The girl came home with severe stomach pain and confessed to a neighbor, which prompted her grandfather to take action. The girl’s mother died of COVID-19 two years ago, and she was in the care of her grandparents. The girl’s father passed away earlier this month.

Seeking justice, the grandfather approached the Pawena Foundation. The Foundation contacted Police Colonel Thitthiphat Arunwetwanich, chief of Hin Dat Police Station, who arranged for the child to be interrogated on May 6.

The police, aware of the family’s dire financial situation, provided financial assistance of 1,000 Thai baht. Staff from the Nakhonratchasima Shelter for Children and Families visited the home to provide psychological support.

On May 20, the Foundation reported that investigators had obtained a court warrant for Song’s arrest on numerous charges. He was taken into custody at his home and reportedly confessed during interrogation. Police objected to bail during the investigation and subsequently asked the court for further detention, again objecting to bail.

This case is unfortunately not an isolated incident in Thailand, where child sexual abuse remains an issue. Incidents like this highlight the importance of the work of organizations such as the Pawena Foundation, which supports victims and fights to bring perpetrators to justice.

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