LAMPHUN, Thailand – A married Thai woman claims her lover blackmailed her for a year using fake accounts and intimate images. She and her husband begged the government for protection on August 6.
The woman met the man online. The relationship began in February of the previous year, she said. He soon demanded more control, requiring daily reports of her activities and photos throughout the day.
Fake account cost woman her job
He allegedly created a fake account using her identity and posted intimate images there. He falsely claimed she was offering sexual services, she said. He also sent intimate photos and videos to people at her workplace. She quit her job.
Three-day hostage ordeal in Chiang Mai
The woman said she later asked him to delete the files. He demanded a trip to Chiang Mai and a cash payment. She went to the meeting. He did not keep his promise, she said.
According to her, he forced her into sexual acts and held her for three days in Chiang Mai before allowing her to return home.
Threats of more leaks and death
After she returned, the man kept demanding meetings. If she refused, he threatened to release more intimate material. The allegations stretched over about one year, she said.
Her husband knew about the affair and accepted the situation. The man also sent recordings to the husband.
Woman suffers depression, suicide attempt
The stress severely affected her mental health. She developed depression and a panic disorder, she said. She also attempted suicide.
Police refused complaint, woman says
The woman said she tried to report the case to local police. They did not accept her complaint. The suspect also threatened to kill her husband if she took legal action.
Government official promises support
The woman and her husband met Thanakrit Jitareerak, an assistant to the deputy prime minister, on August 6. They asked for protection and state help.
Thanakrit expressed concern for the woman’s well-being. He said he would work with the relevant authorities to support the couple.
Similar Bangkok case still in the dark
A comparable case emerged from Bangkok in February of the previous year. A woman reported a secret online relationship with a man she met through a game.
He allegedly controlled her, forced her to install surveillance cameras in her apartment, and forbade her from having sex with her husband. After he threatened to kill her and her family, the couple contacted a news agency. No further public report on that case exists.
Help for those in emotional distress
People in emotional distress in Thailand can call the Samaritans of Thailand hotline at 02 713 6791 in English or 02 713 6793 in Thai. The Thai mental health hotline is 1323.
Anyone feeling lonely, stressed, or depressed should also turn to friends or relatives and seek help.