Award-Winning Teacher Arrested For Student Sexual Abuse
A decorated disciplinary teacher at a Chiang Mai school has been arrested and remanded in custody after allegedly grooming and sexually abusing a female student on multiple occasions, with authorities charging him with multiple offences rel
CHIANG MAI — 30 June 2026, A disciplinary teacher at a well-known school in Chiang Mai has been arrested after a female student and her family sought help from the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women over allegations that he had groomed and sexually abused her on multiple occasions. Thailand's Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has also ordered his dismissal from the civil service.
Pavena Hongsakul, president of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, said the victim's mother brought her daughter to the foundation on Thursday, alleging that the suspect, a disciplinary teacher and recipient of a distinguished teacher award, had groomed and sexually abused the student on multiple occasions. He is also accused of coercing her into sending inappropriate images through chat messages.
The victim's mother said she only became aware of the situation after information circulated on social media. She later accompanied her daughter to file a police complaint at Fang Police Station on 18 June, and the girl underwent medical examinations as part of the investigation. The mother added that her daughter is currently suffering from severe psychological trauma.
The mother further alleged that after the complaint was filed, several people contacted her in an attempt to persuade the family to withdraw the case or enter mediation, claiming that local influential figures could act as intermediaries. The family refused, insisting on full legal prosecution, and submitted all relevant evidence to investigators.
The Pavena Foundation coordinated with Chiang Mai Provincial Police and officers at Fang Police Station to closely monitor the case. Investigators later gathered sufficient evidence to seek an arrest warrant for the suspect, which was approved by the court.
Police charged the teacher with multiple offences related to the sexual abuse of a minor before taking him to court for detention. Investigators opposed bail, and the court denied his temporary release, citing concerns that he could flee or interfere with evidence. He has since been remanded in custody and transferred to prison.
The Pavena Foundation said it will continue working with relevant agencies to provide support and rehabilitation to the victim while monitoring the progress of the case. Separately, OBEC has ordered the teacher's dismissal from the civil service pending the outcome of both the criminal case and disciplinary proceedings.
