A school principal in Thailand is being investigated after more than 10 female students allegedly accused him of sexually abusing them over several years, with some victims claiming the abuse began when they were as young as Primary 3.
The allegations surfaced on July 9 after parents from 11 families travelled from Kanchanaburi province to the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women to seek legal assistance. The 11 girls, aged between 11 and 15, are all students at a well-known school in the province.
According to the complaints, the principal allegedly summoned the girls to his residence within the school compound under various pretexts, including giving them haircuts, collecting school uniforms, trying on newly purchased undershirts or helping with household chores. Parents alleged that once the girls were alone, they were sexually assaulted and warned not to tell anyone or risk losing their scholarships. The case has shocked Thailand and raised fresh concerns over child protection in schools.
One mother also alleged the principal deducted between 40 and 50 baht from each student’s 400-baht government allowance for uniforms and school supplies to buy undershirts before asking the girls to hand over their old ones. The reason for collecting the used undershirts remains unclear.
Several victims claimed they had reported the alleged abuse to teachers at the school but received no protection. Instead, they were allegedly told not to damage the school’s reputation and to avoid being alone with the principal. Some parents further claimed teachers continued sending the girls to the principal’s residence to deliver documents, where they were allegedly abused again.
One father said he only became aware of the alleged abuse after hearing rumours on July 1. When he questioned his 11-year-old daughter, she allegedly told him she had been assaulted three times after being called to collect school clothing or receive a haircut. After contacting other families, he believes the number of victims could be as high as 20.
Another family member alleged her niece had been repeatedly abused since Primary 3 after being called almost daily to the principal’s residence for haircuts or household chores. She claimed the principal sometimes gave the children between 50 and 100 baht after the alleged incidents. The aunt also alleged the girl was once summoned for haircuts on three consecutive days, despite only having small portions of her hair trimmed each time.
Parents said many of the girls remained silent because they feared punishment, losing their scholarships or causing hardship for their families. They also believe there could be additional victims whose families have not yet come forward.
The principal has denied all allegations, reportedly claiming the students fabricated the accusations after being influenced by social media. He submitted his resignation on July 3, saying it was intended to preserve peace and prevent further damage to the school’s reputation.
Following the complaint, the Paveena Foundation coordinated with Thailand’s Ministry of Education and the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), which has launched a formal investigation. Authorities confirmed the principal will be transferred away from the school pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings, while all 11 families are expected to file police reports.
Officials also said the affected students will receive long-term counselling and psychological support through the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
If the allegations are substantiated, the principal could face dismissal from public service, the loss of pension benefits and criminal prosecution. Police investigations are ongoing.
