The disgraced school director accused of having sex with a student at his school reported to hear police charges of depriving a girl under 15 years of parental care for sexual molestation and defaming a woman who exposed the scandal.
Nathaphop Boonthongtho, director of Patong Thanoen Samakkhi School in Bua Yai, Nakhon Rachasima was accompanied by his lawyer when he arrived at Bua Yai police station at around 10.15am.
The 51-year-old later refused to answer media quesions, saying he was not well and would testify in court.
Pol Col Arkhom Boonsod, chief of Bua Yai police station, said the suspect reported to acknowledge two counts -- depriving a girl under 15 years of parental care for obscene purposes and defamation. The suspect denied all charges.
He was released on bail without requiring surety. He is to report again on March 5 for further questioning, the police chief said.
Mr Nathaphop is also being investigated by an education panel for gross disciplinary violation after he was accused of having sex with a 14-year-old female student at his school.
The scandal was exposed when angry local residents and members of the school committee released copies of Line chat messages on the girl’s mobile phone.
In the messages, Mr Nathaphop addressed the girl as "darling" and "dear wife." He was also seen out with the girl on several occasions.
Police had yet to press a charge of sexual abuse, because they first had to compile the evidence and question the girl.
Another student at the same school has also come forward to accuse him of sexual harassment.
The girl, 13, was taken by her mother on Saturday to file a complaint against Mr Nathaphop. Her mother told police that Mr Nathaphop offered her daughter a ride before the New Year holidays. While she was in the car, he allegedly began touching her hands, arms and legs and tried to persuade her to have sex with him, but the girl refused.
