Bang lamung: A math teacher from a well-known school in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, has been suspended by the Chonburi-Rayong Secondary Educational Service Area Office following allegations of sexually abusing a grade 10 female student. The allegations claim the abuse was in exchange for better grades. An investigative committee has been formed to examine the incident, and if the teacher is found guilty, he will be dismissed immediately.
According to Thai News Agency, the case came to light after the victim's mother observed a drastic change in her daughter's behavior. Previously cheerful and lively, the student became withdrawn and quiet, prompting her mother to question her. The student then revealed that she had been sexually harassed and assaulted by her math teacher on two occasions between June and July, in exchange for good grades. She subsequently filed a police report at Bang Lamung Police Station.
The victim reported that she was struggling academically, and the teacher offered assistance by providing answer keys for assignments and allowing her to skip exams to improve her grades. The teacher used this as leverage to lure her to a resort in Bang Lamung district, where the first incident of harassment occurred. On a subsequent occasion, they booked a room under the pretense of needing a massage, which led to further abuse.
The school took immediate action upon learning about the allegations. The principal confirmed the formation of a fact-finding committee, which determined that the teacher's actions were a serious disciplinary offense. The evidence was forwarded to the regional education office for further action.
The accused teacher has been with the school for approximately seven years, with no prior complaints of such behavior. The school has barred the teacher from teaching duties and prohibited any contact with students.
The investigation is being led by Police Lieutenant Manot Thipwech, Deputy Investigator at Bang Lamung Police Station. The police will involve a multidisciplinary team to gather information from the victim and her parents before formally charging the teacher.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thitawat Suriyachai, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, and Pol. Col. Sarawut Nuchanart, Superintendent of Bang Lamung Police Station, are overseeing the case. They have coordinated with the Chonburi Provincial Child and Family Welfare Center to provide support for the victim.
The police emphasized that the concept of "voluntary" consent does not apply in this case due to the victim's age. They reiterated the responsibility of educators to adhere to appropriate conduct and the law, underscoring the seriousness of the matter and the intention to follow legal procedures strictly.