ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES – The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) is investigating allegations that a physical therapist at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School sexually abused 18 students, the RTARF spokesman, Major-General Vithai Laithomya said.
The investigation follows social media reports that 18 armed forces cadets were molested by the suspect at the elite military school in Nakhon Nayok province in October and November.
The chief of Defence Forces General Songwit Noonpackdee has ordered the formation of a committee to investigate the incident and report its findings within seven days.
So far, 21 individuals – the 18 victims and three witnesses, all soldiers – have given statements to the committee.
Major-General Vithai said all 18 victims reported that the suspect touched their bodies inappropriately, with one victim alleging the suspect fondled him.
The suspect has been suspended from duty and transferred to an inactive position at RTARF headquarters pending the outcome of the investigation.
If found guilty, he will face criminal charges as well as disciplinary punishment, while his supervisors will face disciplinary action for negligence, the spokesman said.
The school has arranged for the victims to receive psychiatric counselling and rehabilitation.
The school’s director will personally meet each victims’ family to report the investigation’s progress and offer his condolences, Major-General Vithai said.
