Water Park Files Defamation Complaint Against Foster Teacher

A conflict between a water park in Udon Thani and Teacher Tawan, a volunteer caring for foster children, made headlines after the teacher posted a complaint that the park refused entry to foster children. The teacher wrote: 'A water park refused foster children from Teacher Tawan's home, claiming it was full and required advance notice, but there was no sign. Other groups entered normally without being told it was full. It's okay, kids, Dad will take you to another water park that doesn't reject foster children!'

The water park posted a clarification: 'A teacher brought children to play yesterday, but we had many customers, all seats were full, and for safety we asked them to come another day and call ahead to arrange a zone. The teacher refused and posted publicly, causing us damage and customer misunderstanding. In the past we have always welcomed and given discounts to the teacher, even when the teacher left children unsupervised we cared for them. We ask customers for understanding. Thank you from the heart.'

Ms. Ta, 36, the water park manager, said she wanted to present her side. Last Saturday afternoon, the teacher brought about 24 foster children. The children queued to play, but the park said they could not accept more because bookings were full. They apologized and asked for advance booking next time. The teacher appeared displeased and posted the complaint.

The park confirmed that foster children are customers like any other and will grow into adults. However, they admitted the children brought by this teacher exhibited inappropriate behavior, including theft and boys swimming in the women's zone, among other issues. Despite knowing they were foster children, the park always provided meals and discounted play packages. Moreover, when the teacher dropped off children, she often did not stay to supervise and left them with others, even ordering alcohol and letting the children swim alone.

The manager said during the discussion, the teacher was unhappy the park could not accommodate all 24 children at once and asked to come the next day, with the park offering a dedicated zone and a van to take the children home. The teacher then threatened to post that the park rejects foster children. The park felt harmed despite having explained the reasons.

The park insists it never discriminated against foster children, even tolerating uncomfortable behavior, but this time it was too much. They have filed a report at Na Kha Police Station for defamation and violations of the Computer Crime Act due to the damage caused.

However, the park said if Teacher Tawan brings children again, they are welcome as before, but with advance notice. The legal process will proceed, and the park wishes to convey admiration for the teacher's care of foster children, stating they never discriminated against this group. The issue could have been resolved through dialogue and should not have escalated this way.

Teacher Tawan's clarification: Teacher Tawan, who cares for over 28 foster children, said on the recent holiday she took the children to the water park in Na Kha. Staff asked if they were from Teacher Tawan's home, then went to ask another staff member at the counter, who said they do not accept foster children from Teacher Tawan's home and asked for advance notice because the park was full that day and they could not enter.

Teacher Tawan said from her observation, the park did not seem very busy, yet the staff claimed it was fully booked. This made her suspicious why they were refused entry when she had brought children there regularly. When the park told them to leave, she prepared to take the children back, but the park then offered to compensate for damages and provide a van to send them. She said she did not suffer any loss.