Disgraced Khon Kaen school director nabbed for buying sex from student, 12

George AnderssenPublished: 22:36, 18 May 2024| Updated: 22:54, 18 May 2024

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Disgraced Khon Kaen school director nabbed for buying sex from student, 12 — A police officer tells the accused school director, 58, about the sex abuse charges of a student, 12

Authorities in Khon Kaen have launched an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse after the arrest of a school director and a retired teacher accused of purchasing sex from a 12-year-old student.

The school director has been reassigned to the local educational services office and will face disciplinary action, according to Thee Pawangkhanan, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec). The educational services office in Khon Kaen has initiated a fact-finding inquiry following orders from Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob and Obec secretary-general Thanu Wongjinda.

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Thee confirmed this development recently, emphasising the seriousness of the situation. “The education minister and the Obec secretary-general have expressed concern about the mental state of the abused student,” said Thee. “They have instructed the educational services area office to follow up this case, assess her mental state and draw up remedy measures for her.” Poj Puramphaka, 58, who leads a public school in Chumphae district, in Khon Kaen province, was among five individuals arrested on charges related to child sex abuse.

Pol Maj Gen Sarut Khwaengsopha, commander of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), confirmed the arrests on Friday. Others arrested include retired teacher Wichai Manad, 69, along with three others — two women and a man — accused of procuring young people for the sex trade. During Thursday’s operation, police also rescued three victims: the 12-year-old student and two female teenagers, both aged 17.

Authorities reported that these individuals had been coerced into the sex trade. The investigation continues as authorities aim to uncover the full extent of the abuse and ensure justice for the victims.