KALASIN: A 45-year-old physical education teacher at a school in Kuchinarai district accused of raping a 13-year-student surrendered to police on Tuesday.
Wachira Phanomkaen, accompanied by a lawyer, reported to Pol Lt Col Thitiphan Nitithamsaraphon, deputy chief investigator at Kuchinarai, to hear two counts – raping a girl aged less than 15 years, and depriving her of parental care for lewd purpose.
During questioning Mr Wachira denied all charges. Police said he seemed to be stressed.
Pol Maj Gen Suwan Chiewnawinthawat, chief of Kalasin police, said investigators would take the suspect to Kalasin Provincial Court to apply to detain him for another 12 days and would oppose bail. Although the suspect had surrendered to police, they feared he might interfere with the evidence if he was released on bail.
Pol Gen Suwan said the case drew public attention because the suspect was a teacher who allegedly used trickery to lure a student who dreamed of becoming a runner to his room, and then raped her.
The sexual abuse came to light when the plight of a 13-year-old Mathayom Suksa 1 (Grade 7) student in Kuchinarai district of this northeastern province was posted online.
A physical education teacher allegedly enticed her into his room at the school and asked her to massage him.
The teacher then offered the girl a drink some water. After drinking, the girl fell unconscious. She later awoke to find herself nude in the teacher’s room and with painful genitalia.
The girl told her parents what happened. They took her to file a complaint with police at Kuchinarai station, but there had been no progress in the case. Her family then sought help from the Pavena Hongsakula Foundation for Children and Women.
Ms Pavena visited the girl and her family on Monday and then went to the police station to follow up on the case.