KALASIN: A 45-year-old physical education teacher in Kuchinarai district accused of raping a 13-year-student surrendered to police on Tuesday.
Wachira Phanomkaen, accompanied by a lawyer, reported to Pol Lt Col Thitiphan Nitithamsaraphon, deputy chief investigator at Kuchinarai, to hear two rape-related counts including rape of a victim aged less than 15 years.
During questioning Mr Wachira denied all charges. Police said he seemed to be stressed.
Pol Maj Gen Suwan Chiewnawinthawat, chief of Kalasin police, said investigators are applying to detain him for another 12 days and would oppose bail. Although the suspect had surrendered to police, they feared he might tamper with evidence if released on bail.
Pol Gen Suwan said the teacher allegedly used trickery to lure the student, who aspired to be a track and field athlete, to his room where he later raped her.
The sexual abuse came to light when the plight of a 13-year-old Mathayom Suksa 1 (Grade 7) student in this northeastern province was posted online.
The post related that a physical education teacher allegedly enticed the girl into his room at the school and asked her to massage him.
The teacher then offered the girl water. After drinking, she fell unconscious. She later awoke to find herself nude in the teacher's room and with painful genitalia.
The girl told her parents what happened. They took her to file a complaint with police at Kuchinarai station, but there had been no progress in the case. Her family then sought help from the Pavena Hongsakula Foundation for Children and Women.
Ms Pavena visited the girl and her family on Monday and then went to the police station to follow up on the case.
