Bangkok Woman Assaulted at Gym After Rejecting Man's Advances, Police Suggest $740 Settlement

A 22-year-old Chinese student was assaulted by a man at a gym in Bangkok, Thailand after she rejected his advances. CCTV footage shows the man, identified as a Chinese citizen named Anthony, aggressively grabbing the woman and throwing her to the ground, causing her to suffer injuries to her elbow and head.

The victim reported the incident to the police, but was allegedly told that the assault was not severe enough to file a report. Instead, the police suggested she settle the case for 20,000 baht (around $740) rather than pursuing criminal charges against her assailant.

The police response to the assault has sparked public outrage in Thailand, with many calling for justice in the handling of the case. Critics argue that the suggested settlement amount is far too low given the severity of the attack and the injuries sustained by the victim.

Why this matters: The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of assault victims by law enforcement in Thailand, particularly in cases involving foreign nationals. It also underscores the need for stronger measures to protect women from harassment and violence in public spaces.

The victim, who has not yet received any compensation, plans to seek further medical evaluation for her injuries. "I was shocked and scared when he threw me to the ground," she said. "I just want justice for what happened to me."

Authorities have not released an official statement on the incident or the alleged mishandling of the case by the police. The assault and its aftermath have reignited discussions about the prevalence of sexual harassment and the challenges women face in seeking justice through the legal system in Thailand.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese student assaulted by man at Bangkok gym after rejecting advances
• Police suggested victim settle case for $740 instead of pursuing charges
• Incident sparks public outrage over treatment of assault victims in Thailand
• Victim suffered injuries to elbow and head, seeks further medical evaluation
• Case highlights concerns about sexual harassment and challenges in seeking justice