WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM
Two senior teachers accused of raping an eight-year-old student of a Bangkok school have been suspended from duty and face possible dismissal. Meanwhile the victim, a second grade student from Nan, has been transferred to another school and given emotional counselling on the orders of Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin.
Mr Apirak said physical education teacher Pimol Sunsri, 48, and class supervisor Lon Soraganit, 58 _ who allegedly sexually abused the girl at the school in the Sai Mai area _ have been relieved of their duties. They are now facing disciplinary investigations and will be fired if found guilty.
Both teachers, however, denied the charges of rape and of taking a girl under 15 years of age away from her parents. They insisted they had an alibi. The teachers were caught separately at the school.
Mr Apirak said the criminal investigation needs expanding to see if there were any other victims.
Kamronwit Toopkrachang, commander of the Crime against Children, Juveniles and Women Suppression Division (CCSD), said another girl in the same school has come forward to inform police that she too had been raped by the suspects, both holding senior C-7 rank.
The two teachers were arrested after the second grade student's mother alerted police to the alleged rapes, which took place on July 6 and 21 in a classroom and at a teacher's house. The girl had been enrolled in the school for two months.
Mr Pimol claimed he may have been framed by a co-worker who was closely acquainted with the victim's mother.
Protesting his innocence, he said that on July 6, the school held a futsal competition and he was watching the game the whole time. He also has a witness who could tell police where he was on July 21, he said.
Mr Lon also dismissed the allegation, saying his career has never been tainted and he has no conflict with anyone. Pol Maj-Gen Kamronwit said there was strong evidence to prosecute the suspects

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