Thailand: Fishermen arrested over knife rape attack on French tourists

Thai authorities have arrested a group of Cambodian fishermen who allegedly attacked four French holidaymakers and raped two women at an isolated beach in the group. The five suspects swam to land from their boat anchored off the eastern island of Koh Kut, where they allegedly intercepted the French tourists who were walking to dinner on the evening of 27 February.

Thai authorities have arrested a group of Cambodian fishermen who allegedly attacked four French holidaymakers and raped two women at an isolated beach in the group. The five suspects swam to land from their boat anchored off the eastern island of Koh Kut, where they allegedly intercepted the French tourists who were walking to dinner on the evening of 27 February.

Brandishing knives and sticks, they overpowered the two men before assaulting the two women, police said. The male victims however managed to ran away and call for help at a nearby hotel. A manhunt was launched, resulting in the capture of the five fishermen.

The French tourists have been taken to a mainland hospital for treatment. Koh Kut is a relatively underdeveloped resort island close to the Cambodian border. It was the latest of a series of attacks on foreigners the Southeast Asian country that is threatening its reputation as a tourist heaven.

In December, two Myanmar workers were sentenced to death over allegations they killed two British tourists after raping the woman on the famous resort island of Koh Tao. The verdict sparked protests in Myanmar, where many believe the accused where made scapegoats.