In a distressing turn of events, a high school teacher in the northern province of Phitsanulok has been implicated in a harrowing case involving the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. The allegations, which span several months, have shocked the local community and prompted the victim’s parents to take swift action. Determined to garner attention and ensure the safety of their daughter, they filed a formal complaint against the teacher with the Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station. In a bid to stir the Ministry of Education into prompt action, the parents also brought the case to the attention of DailyNews.
The ordeal, which reportedly started in July and continued unabated until the following June, began with the teacher allegedly making unwanted advances towards the young girl. The situation escalated from inappropriate touching of her chest and genitalia after school hours to the grim allegation of rape. It was this horrifying development that finally compelled the girl to confide in her parents, setting in motion a series of legal proceedings. The teacher was eventually summoned for questioning in November, but has since denied all allegations.
The charges leveled against the teacher are grave, reflecting the severity of the situation. Under Section 319 of the Criminal Law, he faces accusations of abducting a minor under the age of 15 – an offense carrying a potential sentence of two to ten years of imprisonment, alongside fines ranging from 40,000 to 200,000 baht. Meanwhile, Section 279 addresses the sexual assault of a minor under 13, punishable by a one to ten-year sentence or fines from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, or both. For the time being, the teacher remains in police custody, awaiting a court hearing that will determine the future course of action.
With fears circling that the case might be dismissed just as previous complaints had been, the anxious parents have strategically turned to the media, emphasizing the critical need for intervention from the Education Ministry. Their trust in the school’s executive board and provincial education officials has been severely shaken, given past incidents that failed to reach resolution.
Tragically, this heartbreaking episode is not an isolated incident. According to the parents, their daughter is not the first victim of sexual misconduct at the school. They cite the case of eight other schoolgirls who had formerly leveled similar allegations against another teacher, yet were met with disheartening inaction. In response, the Phitsanulok Provincial Education director and the secretary-general of the Private Education Commission Office have assured the public—and the concerned parents—that the case will be handled with impartiality. These officials have pledged to visit the school promptly to conduct an independent investigation, honoring their commitment to justice for all sides involved.
In the swirl of these events, the story has not just dominated local news but also captured nationwide attention, reflecting broader concerns about student safety and institutional accountability. As the legal proceedings progress, many hope that this case will serve as a pivotal moment for change, ushering in reinforced protective measures and a renewed focus on safeguarding the well-being of students across Thailand.
This whole situation is absolutely terrifying. How can these things keep happening in our schools?
It’s shocking, but unfortunately, not uncommon. Schools have to do better with their screenings and monitoring.
Shouldn’t there be stricter laws and background checks for teachers? These kids need protection!
Exactly, Mia! It’s appalling that such predators can slip through the cracks.
This highlight the systemic failure at multiple levels! From school administration to law enforcement, there’s negligence everywhere.
Not sure if we can trust the system to fix itself. Whistleblowers and media attention seem like our best hope.
Why don’t more parents demand policy changes? One case of misconduct should be enough to overhaul the system.
My heart goes out to the poor girl. No one should experience this, especially in a place that’s supposed to be safe.
Agreed. We need a cultural shift to ensure these victims are supported and protected in every way possible.
Absolutely. It’s about time we put students’ safety above everything else.
When will schools start prioritizing student safety over reputation? This isn’t the first instance we’ve heard of involving the same school!
The school’s executive board must be held accountable too. They can’t just ignore these allegations.
Exactly, Ella! They need to step up and actually do something before more kids get hurt.
Why is the teacher still in custody and not behind bars? The evidence seems pretty damning.
Well, every accused has the right to a fair trial, even if the accusations are serious. It’s a critical part of justice.
Fair trial, yes, but also swift justice. Especially in cases involving minors!
It’s maddening to see similar cases swept under the rug. Where’s the accountability? Previous incidents were clearly ignored!
We’ve got to start holding these institutions accountable. It’s the only way things will change.
The Ministry of Education needs a serious wake-up call! The protection protocols are failing big time.
I’m appalled and scared for my own children. How prevalent is this issue? Are there statistics?
Unfortunately, numerous studies have highlighted the alarmingly high rates of misconduct in schools worldwide.
It’s heartbreaking! These young victims often carry this trauma for life. We have to do better by them.
Could these incidents stem from deeper cultural issues or lack of teacher training in ethics?
Definitely a mix of both, Pete. And let’s not forget the hush culture that discourages victims from speaking up.
It’s a collective responsibility! Community, authorities, and peers all play a role in ensuring a safe environment.
You nailed it. We all need to be vigilant and push for changes where necessary.
Hope this case becomes a turning point. No more turning a blind eye!
Sometimes public pressure is the only way to ensure the right actions are taken. Stay vocal!
True. Social media and public outcry can often achieve what the legal system drags its heels on.