Teacher arrested in Chiang Mai for assaulting 12-year-old student

Chiang Mai police arrested a 41-year-old high school teacher on charges of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old student. The incident occurred at a school in the city where the suspect taught discipline and social studies. The arrest was made possible after the intervention of the Pavena Foundation for the Protection of Children and Women, which provided legal and psychological support to the victim's family. The 33-year-old mother of the girl contacted the foundation after her daughter told her about the incident. According to the investigation, the teacher repeatedly committed violent acts against the child on school grounds. The Pavena Foundation, known for its work in protecting minors' rights, helped the family gather evidence and contact the police. The suspect was detained at his home in Chiang Mai. He has been charged under Article 277 of the Thai Criminal Code, which prescribes punishment for the rape of a minor. The maximum penalty under this article is life imprisonment. The teacher is currently in custody, and the investigation is ongoing. Representatives of the school where the arrested man worked stated that they are cooperating with the police and conducting an internal investigation. The school administration expressed condolences to the victim's family and promised to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Details of the case are not disclosed in the interests of the minor. This case has caused widespread public outcry in Thailand. Local media, including the Bangkok Post, are actively covering the progress of the investigation. The Pavena Foundation has called for stricter oversight of teachers' activities and enhanced measures to protect children in educational institutions. Chiang Mai police have asked any other potential victims of the suspect's actions to contact the investigation. Law enforcement emphasized that all reports will be handled confidentially. The investigation is being monitored by the leadership of the regional police department. Experts note that such crimes in Thailand often go unsolved due to victims' fear of contacting the police. The Pavena Foundation reminds that the country has hotlines for victims of violence, as well as psychological support programs. More information about the foundation's work can be found on its official website. For readers: If you witness or become a victim of violence in Thailand, contact the Pavena Foundation (hotline: 1346). Do not try to resolve the issue through intermediaries—this may be illegal.