French man charged with raping British teenager on Thai holiday island

Tourist claims intercourse was consensual, police say

The alleged assault took place on Koh Tao, which has been the scene of numerous attacks on tourists (Rex)

A French man has been charged with raping a British teenager on a popular Thai holiday island.

The alleged attack took place on the island of Koh Tao, a picturesque spot that draws divers and tourists from all over the world.

The area made headlines in 2014 when the bodies of British backpackers Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were found on one of the island’s beaches having been bludgeoned to death.

Two Myanmar migrant workers, Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun, were found guilty in 2015 of killing the pair.

Thailand remains a popular destination for travellers on a budget and tourism is a vital part of the economy, but a spate of crimes against visitors in recent years has raised questions about tourist safety in the country.

In the latest case, police said an 18-year-old backpacker, whose name has been withheld, reported she had been drugged and raped by a French tourist on 4 April.

Thai police identified the suspect as 26-year-old French national Yohan Michael Tunka Buaga. He was arrested on Saturday and charged with rape on Monday and is being held on the nearby island of Koh Samui.

“The suspect has admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim, but he said that it was consensual and not rape,” police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Boonkaew of Koh Tao police told Reuters.

“We are now investigating the case and waiting for forensic examination,” Lt Col Piyapong said.

Reuters was unable to contact both the suspect’s and the victim’s lawyers.

The Foreign Office’s travel guidance for Thailand includes warnings about the potential for sexual attacks in the area.

It said: “Violent sexual assaults and unprovoked attacks have been reported in popular tourist destinations, including in the Koh Samui archipelago and Krabi province.

“These are particularly common during the monthly full moon parties and generally occur late at night near bars.

“Drink spiking has been reported in tourist destinations around Thailand, with both male and female victims.

“Be careful about taking drinks from strangers and at clubs and parties, or leaving your drinks unattended, particularly in Koh Samui, Pattaya and at the full moon party on Koh Phangan, where date rapes have been reported.”

Additional reporting by Reuters

* Update Yohan ​Michael Tunka Buaga was subsequently released after police dropped the case. 22/11/18