Masseur jailed for 11 years after rape in Kensington Thai parlour

A Thai massage therapist who worked and lived in Kensington has been jailed for 11 years after sexually assaulting two women.  

Mongkhon Thopwan, 54, of North End Road, Kensington, was sentenced on Friday after being convicted on March 21 for five counts of assault by penetration, and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without their consent, following a six-day trial. 

The court heard from two independent victims that Thopwan had on two separate occasions, seven months apart, abused his position of trust as a masseur by sexually assaulting them. 

The second victim, using the pseudonym Molly, has since said: “I considered keeping this serious assault a secret and staying silent because I really, really could not bear the thought of ever repeating what happened.  

“It felt too weird, humiliating and hideous. When I think now about the anger, sadness and anxiety that would have eaten at my soul had I not said something, that hurts. 

“Running on adrenaline and complete panic I phoned my best friend and she persuaded me to phone the police, oh gosh am I glad I did? It was instantly ‘not my secret’. It was out there ‘away’ from me, ‘away’ from my heart, ‘away’ from my soul.  

“And as a result, I had a crazy supportive network holding me up and holding me tight. Within an hour of telling the police what happened this man was arrested and spent three months in jail before being bailed on the strictest of conditions.” 

The first attack happened on November 1, 2020, when a woman in her 20s attended the Thai massage parlour Nine Lucksa in North End Road in Kensington for massage therapy.  

Detectives are now appealing for others who may have been sexually assaulted by him to come forward.

The Met’s licensing team and Hammersmith and Fulham council worked together to ensure that neither Thopwan’s therapist licence, nor the business licence for Thai Massage Nine Lucksa, were renewed. 

A second victim, a woman in her 30s, was sexually assaulted on June 17, 2021 at the same parlour while Thopwan was under investigation and was operating without a licence.

Thopwan was arrested and charged on June 19 and remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Natalie Witt, the investigating officer, said: “Thopwan is an extremely dangerous offender who targeted these women when they were at their most vulnerable. 

“Their crucial evidence led to his conviction and has ensured Thopwan cannot subject anyone else to such horrific attacks. 

“I would again urge anyone who has been a victim of a similar attack to speak to us directly quoting 8803/02NOV20. 

“We have specially trained officers who will help and support you. 

“Alternatively contact us through a third party support group such as The Havens or London Survivors Gateway who offer a 24/7 urgent advice number if you need to speak with someone for the first time.” 

To speak to The Haven, call 020 3299 6900. To speak to London Survivors Gateway call 0808 801 0860. 

Pictured top: Mongkon Thopwan (Picture: Met Police)