They say Channarong Khongsiri, 27, was part of a gang of four that broke into the girl's home, raped her and her mother and made off with about Bt1 million in valuables on July 4.

Channarong was arrested in the Pho Thale district of Phichit. Items stolen from the house were found with him, as was a weapon believed to have been used in the attack.

According to Police MajGeneral Chanin Preechaharn, Channarong confessed to robbery and rape.

He allegedly admitted the attacks on the mother and daugh¬ter were in revenge for a Bt700,000 debt.

Channarong claimed the German never paid him for more than a year's work as a bodyguard.

The German is a suspected underworld figure. Police had not been able to find him following the attacks and robbery. He was not at home at the time of the assaults.

Channarong claimed the German conned foreigners out of their money through bogus invest¬ment schemes and smuggled cig¬arettes.

Chanin said Channarong had a previous conviction for rape.

On Monday police arrested Channarong's father, Boonyong Khongsiri, 49, on rape and robbery charges.

Also arrested were a cousin, Kosin Khongsiri, 25, and his commonlaw wife, Wilaiwan Pheungchai, 25. They are charged with robbery.

The victim's housekeeper, Plew Seubrom, 54, was charged as an accomplice.

The Nation