The parents of a 14-year-old girl have urged authorities to take swift and strict action against a middle-aged man accused of kidnapping her.
Ronnachit Bamrungchit, who was arrested by police in Chiang Mai yesterday, two weeks after her disappearance, admitted he took the girl, identified only by her nickname of "Yoyo", on a motorcycle trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on Dec 27 last year.
The man, a 52-year-old father of one the girl's classmates, refused to answer questions concerning allegations of sexual abuse during what he said was a "sightseeing trip".
Chiang Mai police discovered the pair at a hotel in Chiang Mai's Muang district late on Thursday night, following an inspection of security camera footage from the municipality area.
Yoyo is currently being cared for at Pingjai Home, a state-run shelter for afflicted children, in Chiang Mai.
The girl was yesterday examined by doctors for signs of possible abuse. Once the outcome is known, "we will determine the subsequent legal action", Children and Youth Department chief Somkid Somsri said.
Mr Ronnachit, who was handed over to Phlapphla Chai 1 police in Bangkok for further questioning, has been already charged with keeping a child from her parents.
The girl's family said they want authorities to "take strict action against the man".
Mr Ronnachit was a regular guest of the family and was on familiar terms with Yoyo as he tutored her and often took her to and from school, the family said.
The girl left her school with Mr Ronnachit after an exam on Dec 27.
Police investigators found both Mr Ronnachit and the girl had rarely used their mobile phones since they went missing. However, a signal from one their devices was finally detected in Chiang Mai, prompting police to zero in on the area.
The girl's father, whose name has been withheld, said yesterday: "I'm very angry Mr Ronnachit took my daughter."
He said he regretted certain family conflicts may have led his daughter to consider leaving with Mr Ronnachit and hoped that they could sort out their problems when she returns.
According to an aunt, the family received a letter from Yoyo after her disappearance detailing some of the problems she was having with her mother.
Yoyo's parents now want to meet her after learning she is safe, but Mr Somkid said she will remain under the supervision of the state until everyone is sure both she and her family are ready to be reunited.
