Award-winning Thai Teacher Arrested in Student Abuse Case

CHIANG MAI — A decorated teacher from a well-known school in Chiang Mai has been arrested on charges of grooming and sexually abusing a female student. The case came to light after the victim's family sought assistance from the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women. According to Pavena Hongsakul, president of the foundation, the victim's mother alleged that the suspect had groomed the student, sexually abused her on multiple occasions, and coerced her into sending inappropriate images via chat messages. The mother stated she became aware of the situation after information circulated on social media and subsequently filed a police complaint at Fang Police Station on June 18. The victim is reportedly suffering from severe psychological trauma. The mother further alleged that after the complaint was filed, her family received attempts to persuade them to withdraw the case or enter mediation, with claims that local influential figures could act as intermediaries. The family refused these offers, insisting on full legal prosecution, and submitted all relevant evidence to investigators. The Pavena Foundation collaborated with Chiang Mai Provincial Police and officers at Fang Police Station. Investigators gathered sufficient evidence to secure an arrest warrant, which was approved by the court. The teacher was charged with multiple offenses related to the sexual abuse of a minor and taken to court for detention. Bail was opposed by investigators and denied by the court due to concerns of flight risk or interference with evidence. Separately, the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has ordered the teacher's dismissal from civil service pending the outcome of both the criminal case and disciplinary proceedings. The Pavena Foundation stated it will continue to work with relevant agencies to provide support and rehabilitation to the victim while monitoring the case's progress.