Ex-teacher in Bangkok held for assaulting student

A former primary school teacher has been arrested in Bangkok for sexually assaulting a 13 year old student inside his car, despite the presence of the victim’s younger sister. The 44 year old man was apprehended by police while selling fried meatballs on a street in the capital, following an investigation into the incident on March 22.

Somkiat, a former teacher at a primary school in Samut Prakan province, was taken into custody by police on Ram Intra Soi 62 in the Kannayao district of Bangkok. The arrest occurred after a complaint was filed by the parents of the 13 year old female student, who reported the alleged assault near the Phra Samut Chedi area on March 22. Police Deputy Inspector Prayul Pattulee led the operation, which resulted in Somkiat’s apprehension.

The investigation revealed that Somkiat had returned to his hometown in Sisaket province after being dismissed from the school over the incident. Lacking employment, he subsequently returned to Bangkok to make a living selling fried meatballs from a mobile stall. Police tracked him down and arrested him as he was engaged in his new trade.

During interrogation, Somkiat confessed to the crime, admitting that he sexually assaulted his former pupil while her 9 year old sister was also in the vehicle. He claimed he lost control during an outing with the children.

The girl’s parents discovered the incident and demanded 25,000 baht (US$670) in compensation. Somkiat, not having the full amount, initially paid 10,000 baht (US$270) and promised to pay off the rest in monthly installments of 1,000 baht (US$27). However, after being fired from his teaching position, he had no choice but to return to Sisaket before coming back to Bangkok to sell fried meatballs as a means to earn money, reported KhaoSod.

Police charged Somkiat with two serious offences: sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13, whether she consented or not, and taking a person under the age of 15 for the purpose of indecency, irrespective of their consent. He is scheduled to be sent to court for a detention hearing tomorrow.