Village Chief Resigns After Alleged Sexual Assault of 13-Year-Old Girl; Police File Two Serious Charges

On May 6, 2025, Pol. Lt. Col. Kurupong Kaeo-saad, superintendent of Wang Yang Police Station, revealed progress in a case filed on April 28 by the parents of a 13-year-old girl from Nakhon Phanom province. They accused village chief Kittipong of assaulting their daughter and sexually coercing her. Pol. Lt. Col. Kurupong stated that investigators questioned both the accused and the victim. Although the village chief initially denied the charges, sufficient evidence was found, and the girl underwent a medical examination. Police are confident they have adequate evidence for prosecution. Pol. Lt. Col. Kurupong noted that despite the accused attempting to reconcile with the victim's family, this case cannot be settled as it is a criminal matter involving a child. Two charges are being prepared: abduction of a minor and indecent assault of a child under 15 years old, and rape with aggravated circumstances, carrying sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment or life imprisonment. The accused was informed of the charges and legal procedures will proceed fairly for both parties. The incident reportedly occurred because the girl worked part-time as a traditional music performer, which the village chief exploited to approach and coerce her. Investigation revealed that Kittipong resigned from his position on April 28, after the incident occurred, placing the matter solely under police jurisdiction rather than district administrative disciplinary action. Meanwhile, social development and human security officials from Nakhon Phanom province, coordinated through a foundation, have been providing support and psychological rehabilitation to the 13-year-old girl and her family.