Sex scandal school head contacts cops

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: The school director accused of having an affair with a 14-year-old student has told police he will surrender on Wednesday, Bua Yai police chief Pol Col Kharom Boonsod said yesterday.

Pol Col Kharom said Nathaphop Boonthongtho, 51, director of Wat Ban Patong Tha Neon Samakkhee School in Bua Yai district, had contacted Bua Yai investigators, offering to hand himself in.

Mr Nathaphop has been accused of having an affair with a female Mathayom Suksa 2 (Grade 8) student, aged 14, at the school.

He was summonsed to hear the sexual abuse charges filed by the mother of an exboyfriend of the girl, but failed to show up. Pol Col Kharom said he would guarantee justice for all concerned.

As for a separate case filed against Mr Nathaphop by the parents of another Mathayom Suksa 2 student, aged 13, accusing him of sexual harassment, Pol Col Kharom said police had interviewed a number of witnesses, including the student and her parents.

He expected the investigation into the new case would be concluded this week.

The girl is in the same class as the 14-year-old girl who allegedly had an affair with the principal.

According to the mother, Mr Nathaphop offered his daughter a ride before the New Year holidays.

While she was in his car, he began touching her hands, arms and legs and asked her for sex.

He allegedly offered her 2,000 baht per time if she agreed, but the girl refused.

Mr Nathapop and the first girl have disappeared since the claims come to light.

He faces a disciplinary investigation and has been transferred to an inactive post, but has yet to turn up to work.