Akkhanut Tackles Longstanding Sexual Abuse Case: Teacher Who Assaulted Student to Face Strict Penalties
A teacher who sexually abused a student over two years ago will face strict penalties as Thailand's Education Deputy Minister launches a new Rights Protection Center and vows to overhaul school safety measures nationwide.
On May 11, 2025, Education Deputy Minister Akkhanut Kankittinanth, accompanied by ministry officials and Lopburi provincial representatives, conducted a field visit to follow up on a sexual abuse case involving a former private school teacher that has remained unresolved for over two years. The team aims to reach a conclusion and close the case within just one week, following Akkhanut's initial visit on May 3.
Akkhanut stated that after listening to the affected family's concerns, he believes financial compensation alone cannot address the psychological trauma the child suffered. He emphasized that the Education Ministry, as the regulatory authority, must serve as a protective umbrella for the family when schools fail to protect children. He ordered the Office of the Basic Education Commission to strengthen teacher ethics monitoring measures and mandated all schools to install CCTV cameras in blind spots to prevent such incidents.
"I acknowledge that the ministry may have been lax in enforcement. From now on, we will change everything," Akkhanut said. "On May 18, I will formally open a Rights Protection and Welfare Center to integrate the work of all ministry units. We will not abandon this child and will continue providing psychological support until they recover."
Akkhanut outlined a three-pronged approach: (1) Prevention through raising awareness about children's rights and eliminating authoritarian systems in schools; (2) Modern reporting mechanisms using technology platforms like Traffy Fondue to allow children and parents to report directly to the center and prevent internal cover-ups; and (3) Comprehensive physical and psychological treatment.
"My goal is to make this Rights Protection Center a stable, permanent resource where anyone who bullies or abuses children's rights in educational settings faces strict consequences," Akkhanut concluded. "I will personally resolve every grievance to ensure schools become the safest places for all students, teachers, and educators."
