Probe launched after Suankularb teacher posts video of sex with students

The man, Sarot, who taught at Suankularb Wittayalai School and has now been transferred to the Secondary Educational Service Area Office 1 Bangkok, could be dismissed from civil service and his teaching licence revoked if he were found guilty, the Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) chief Karoon Sakulpradit said yesterday.

Citing school director Witoon Wong-in’s report, Karoon said the teacher had initially confessed to having sex with schoolboys but insisted they were from other schools. However, the case would be taken forward as per the protocol. His alleged actions were a serious breach of teachers’ discipline and were punishable with dismissal from civil service, Karoon said. There would be no mercy for the man if it were to be proved that he had brought disgrace to the Thai teaching profession. 

Besides disciplinary punishment, the Obec chief said he would also propose to the Teachers’ Council of Thailand to consider revoking his teaching licence, if he were found guilty. He said this case should serve as an example to prevent any reoccurrence. 

Karoon also urged parents of damaged youths – most of who were reportedly under 18 – to file police complaints so as to pursue criminal action. 

Deputy school director Amnuay Chanhom said he had addressed this case with teachers and students after the morning flag-raising ceremony yesterday, updating them on the events and what had been done to tackle it, while urging those with information to come forward.

Asked about the accused teacher’s post mentioning the act of sex was because a particular student had skipped class, and whether this meant victims included Suankularb students, Amnuay said the teacher insisted he did not have sex with students of the school and that the comment was just a joke. The accused teacher also told Amnuay that his method of scoring students was to give everyone full 30 points for behaviour except in cases where there had been any wrongdoing. Amnuay said he was told the teacher did not use grades or scores to lure students.

Amnuay said the accused teacher had been working with the school for two years and four months and he seemed tidy and taught well. He also said this would not affect the school’s reputation, as it was an individual matter. Education Minister General Dapong Ratanasuwan said he had already received a report from the Obec chief about the probe and if the teacher was found guilty, he would be processed as per the council’s regulation.

Montri Sintaweechai, secretary of Child Protection Foundation, said all concerned people should take action to heal the victims as soon as possible. He said the director of the school should take action against the alleged perpetrator because it has evidence like video clips online.

Montri also called for a speedy investigation so that the victims could get the highest protection.

“A teacher has a duty to instruct and protect students. Parents think that schools are safe place for their children. When harm is caused by a teacher, even if not inside the school, concerned organisations should give a helping hand to the victims. It should not be left only to the victims’ parents,” Montri added.

Normally, the penalty in a case of sexual harassment is imprisonment but the punishment in this case could be more severe, as the offender is a teacher.