Olympic champ’s driver also charged in sex case

Olympic champ's driver also charged in sex case
The CCTV footage shows a motorcyclist with pillion riders in front of the pub where Somluck Kamsing met the 17-year-old girl in Muang district of Khon Kaen over the past weekend. (Photo supplied)

KHON KAEN: A man who drove Olympic champion Somluck Kamsing and a 17-year-old girl from a pub to a hotel is now facing more charges. The driver had earlier been arraigned for procuring prostitutes for others in the northeastern province.

At the Mueang Khon Kaen police station, the 47-year-old man, identified only as Paekko, was charged with abducting a minor from her guardians and bringing a minor for molestation.

The incident happened over the past weekend when Mr Somluck met the girl at the pub in Muang district on Saturday night. Subsequently, they both rode on Paekko’s motorcycle to the hotel, where they entered the 50-year-old former boxer’s hotel room early Sunday morning. The girl later reported to local police that Mr Somluck had sexually assaulted her.

Police sources said the motorcyclist, a native of tambon Sila in Muang district, was close to Mr Somluck and was also a football referee.

In July this year police of the Ban Ped station in Muang district arraigned the man on the procurement of prostitutes at the Khon Kaen provincial court.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Somluck reported to police in Khon Kaen. He was subsequently charged with taking a minor, aged above 15 but less than 18, from parents or guardians, taking a minor for indecency, committing an indecent act against a minor, and attempted rape.