School Principal Accused Of Sexual Abuse By 11 Students
Eleven students aged 10-15 filed charges against a school principal in Kanchanaburi for sexual abuse, with police indicating over 20 students may be affected; victims will receive shelter care during investigation.
On July 10, 2569 (2026), Paveena Hongsukul, chairwoman of the Paveena Foundation for Children and Women, brought 11 families with girls aged 10-15 from a school in Sri Sawat district, Kanchanaburi province, to the Kanchanaburi Provincial Police Command to file charges against the school principal for sexual misconduct involving groping. Maj. Gen. Pacharavee Ruangpoo, commander of Kanchanaburi Provincial Police, facilitated the filing of complaints at the provincial command rather than at Sri Sawat Police Station where the incidents occurred.
The situation came to light when one parent learned of the principal's behavior and gathered information from other parents, discovering that more than 20 students had experienced similar abuse. They approached the foundation for assistance.
Paveena stated that 11 girls and their families filed complaints today, though additional students and parents are preparing to file reports. The victims will be placed under care at the Kanchanaburi Child and Family Shelter to prevent intimidation during the investigation process, beginning July 13 onwards. Parents will provide statements to investigators immediately.
Maj. Gen. Pacharavee said police are coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure the victims' welfare and will conduct comprehensive interviews with all victims and parents to ensure justice.
Parents disclosed that their children were called to the principal's residence under the pretext of exchanging old uniforms for new ones, where abuse occurred. The principal allegedly threatened victims, claiming that reporting the incidents would result in expulsion and loss of educational funding. Some children were allegedly abused repeatedly over several years, with incidents numbering in the hundreds.
Initially, the 11 girls who filed complaints will be placed under care at the Kanchanaburi Child and Family Shelter awaiting interviews with multidisciplinary professionals beginning July 13. Other students and parents can continue filing complaints and providing information to police. The principal submitted a resignation letter several months ago, confirmed by the Kanchanaburi Education Zone 1 Office.
