BANGKOK, THAILAND – A 28-year-old suspect surrendered to police in the Thai capital after being accused of raping his former partner and blackmailing her with explicit video footage.
Rape allegation and subsequent blackmail
According to police, Jirapas Kangwankrai (28) allegedly monitored his former partner, a 30-year-old woman, near her home in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district and forced her to submit to the alleged offences. The incident was reportedly linked to an outstanding debt of around 700,000 baht (about 17,500 euros) that the woman allegedly owed him from their previous relationship.
In March 2025, the suspect sent the woman video recordings and demanded repayment of the debt, threatening to publish the material if she refused. When she did not pay, he published the footage on the internet, police said.
Complaint filed and investigation launched
On 13 March 2026, the woman filed a complaint at Tha Kham Police Station. Officers immediately opened an investigation into the allegations.
After the case became public in Thai media, Jirapas surrendered to police at Tha Kham station five days later. He was taken into custody for questioning.
During his interrogation, the suspect stated that his family operated a gold shop. After the breakup, his brother allegedly blocked his access to family assets. Investigators said he admitted using the woman’s debt claim as leverage to regain funds.
Police reject bail request
Following his arrest, the suspect’s current wife appeared before police and applied for his release on bail. The police rejected the application, citing the seriousness of the charges.
Jirapas was then transferred to the Thon Buri Criminal Court, which is to decide on his continued pre-trial detention. The case is now before the court in its initial phase.
Possible additional victims
Investigators are examining whether the suspect may have blackmailed other women in a similar manner. The investigating officer emphasised that the alleged debt in no way excused the suspected offences and could not be used as justification.
The woman who filed the complaint is currently receiving psychological support. According to police, the video material that had been published online has since been removed from the internet.
Charges and possible prison term
Jirapas Kangwankrai has been charged with rape, unlawful detention and extortion. Under Thai criminal law, these offences typically carry multi-year prison sentences.
The initial bail request has already been denied once. It remains unclear whether the defence will submit another application. The proceedings are still at an early, introductory stage.