Phuket kindergarten teacher cleared in child injury case
A Phuket kindergarten teacher accused of injuring a five year old boy has been cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation concluded that the child’s wounds resulted from rough play among classmates.
The case sparked public outrage when the boy’s parents filed a police complaint, prompting a full-scale inquiry led by Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri. A special committee, including provincial officials and Patong Municipality representatives, was set up to ensure a thorough and impartial review of the incident.
Vice Governor Ronnarong yesterday, March 3, announced the findings at Phuket City Hall, joined by Patong Police Chief Police Colonel Chalermchai Hirasawat, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, and Patong Deputy Mayors Lalita Maneesri and Sanakorn Keesin. The boy’s parents and other concerned officials were also present.
Pol. Col. Chalermchai confirmed that after reviewing evidence, including psychological experiments, police determined that the boy was repeatedly hit with a feather duster by classmates, causing the bruises.
“Experiments conducted by child psychologists confirmed that children of that age could exert enough force to cause bruising. No evidence implicated the form teacher in the incident.”
Following the findings, the child’s parents accepted the conclusion and withdrew their complaint. However, officials stated that further discussions would determine whether the teacher displayed negligence in supervising the children.
Vice Governor Ronnarong emphasised that the teacher’s reputation had been unfairly tarnished due to public accusations.
“The committee will further discuss whether she negligently allowed the children to play unsupervised, leading to the incident, or if this constitutes neglect of duty, and determine what kind of punishment she may face.”
The teacher at the centre of the controversy, Phisuda Wirakij, expressed regret over the incident.
“I felt regret for leaving the children unattended during lunch break and apologise for the incident.”
Phisuda added that she would use the experience to improve safety measures in the future.
Patong Deputy Mayor Lalita echoed the sentiment, apologising for the lapse in supervision.
“Stricter supervision measures will be implemented to prevent such occurrences.”
Lalita added that additional CCTV cameras would be installed to ensure better monitoring of students.
MP Chalermpong also urged enhanced safety measures, stressing the need for better oversight and reminding teachers of their responsibilities.
Vice Governor Ronnarong concluded by reaffirming that Phuket officials would take stronger preventive measures to ensure student safety and restore confidence in local schools, reported The Phuket News.
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