The suspect, identified as David Israel Ezra, was detained on Sunday (Mar 30) by Phuket Immigration officers, in coordination with Region 8 Investigation Police, Tourist Police and Sakhu Police.
The arrest followed a report from Surat Thani Immigration that linked him to an attack on a 19-year-old Finnish woman near Chaweng Beach.
According to the report filed at Bo Phut Police Station, the incident took place on the Saturday night (Mar 29).
The victim (name withheld) was at the Ark Bar with friends when she encountered the suspect. She later walked along Chaweng Beach with him, where the alleged assault occurred.
The victim, who was intoxicated, reported the incident to police early the next morning.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and matched the suspect’s identity with immigration records. Based on the evidence, Koh Samui Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant for rape by force or coercion.
Police then tracked Ezra to Phuket Airport, where he was intercepted before he could board a flight.
Ezra denied the charges but was informed of his legal rights and taken back to Bo Phut Police Station on Koh Samui for further proceedings, police reported.