A group of 27 parents in Lop Buri’s Chai Badan district have filed complaints with local police, alleging that the director of an elementary school molested their children. The complaints were lodged on Wednesday evening at the Chai Badan district police station.
Parents reported noticing changes in their daughters’ behavior, including increased isolation and a reluctance to attend school. Upon questioning, the girls revealed that they had been molested by the school director.
The director has been temporarily transferred by the educational office overseeing elementary schools in Lop Buri pending the outcome of the investigation. An official fact-finding panel has also been established to examine the case.
One parent, identified only as Sanor, recounted how the alleged abuse had discouraged her daughter and other students from going to school. According to the children, the director had engaged in inappropriate behavior, including hugging students, touching them inappropriately, and entering a room where they were changing clothes for dance performances.
Following these revelations, the concerned parents collectively took their children to file complaints with the police. Chai Badan district chief Phanupong Siri met with the parents and students at the police station to follow up on the case.
Police have begun questioning the parents and have arranged for psychologists to assist with the interviews of the students. The school in question educates children from kindergarten through Grade 9 (Mathayom 3).
The accused director has denied the allegations, attributing them to a teacher who he claims is seeking revenge after being reprimanded for absenteeism. According to the director, the teacher fabricated the stories to damage his reputation.
Thanu Wongchinda, secretary-general of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec), stated on Thursday that he had received reports about complaints involving 12 students so far. He has instructed the Lop Buri education office to set up a fact-finding committee and report back within seven days. Should clear evidence be found, a disciplinary panel will be established to take action against the director.
Mr. Thanu assured that justice will be served to all parties involved. He confirmed that the director has been transferred to assist with work at the education office pending the outcome of the investigations.
