A member of the LGBTQ+ community was arrested after a viral video circulated on Thai social media of him pouring hot soup on to another LGBTQ+ member and demanding 50,000 baht.
In a The Nation report, the alleged leader of an LGBTQ+ gang in Bangkok University broke down in tears as he was arrested in his condo unit in Pathum Thani for assault and extortion. Police are still closely monitoring him due to concerns over self-harm, while Bangkok University has expelled him and his accomplice.
Peem, the alleged gang leader, is detained at the Klong Luang Police Station in Pathum Thani.
The arrest stemmed following a viral video showing Peem, a senior at Bangkok University, repeatedly throwing hot soup over to Andrew, his junior, at a restaurant. The clip sparked protests by LGBTQ+ students outside Peem’s condo, where some police were seen in the area.
Well-known activist Kanthawat Pongpaiboowet, also known as Gun Jomphalang, who helped Andrew file charges against Peem and Oishi, visited Peem at the detention station to speak with him.
Peem then told Kanthawat that he is apologising to all his victims and offered to cover all medical expenses with hopes that they will forgive him and withdraw their complaints. Peem adds that he doesn’t want to go to prison and was uncertain if he and Oshi would still be allowed to continue their studies.
Bangkok University has expelled both Peem and Oshi.
In a press conference, Chief of Klong Luang Police Station Pol. Col. Kiartisak Mitprasart said Monday that five victims had come forward to file their complaints against the two. Pol. Col. Kiartisak’s station would seek Thanyaburi Provincial Court’s approval on Tuesday to further detain the two suspects pending additional investigation.
Peem has admitted to all charges while Oshi only admits to assault and not with the extortion charges, he adds.