The transfer order for Pathom Mangkhang, a Ta Phraya district school director, was issued and in effect yesterday. He will help the civil service at Sa Kaew's educational zone office region 2.

A factfinding committee - assigned on Tuesday when the complaint was filed - found the allegation had grounds. Five witnesses, including three government officials, gave the same account as the plaintiff that Pathom had threatened and sexually harassed her during a party last Friday at the ThaiCambodia border, said Secretary to the Education Minister Udom Kraiwatnussorn.

The committee recommended that Pathom be transferred out of the area, as he could obstruct the investigation, which would take no longer than a month, Udom said.

The probe might investigate Pathom's alleged comment that he could have any student in his school, just by merely pointing a finger, as quoted by the plaintiff, and whether Pathom had notified his supervisors that he would be away during official working hours.

Pathom's alleged misconduct was a severe disciplinary breach punishable by being fired, Udom said, adding the inquiry result would not be influenced and that leniency was unlikely if the case was proved.

The school director insisted he was innocent and had filed a countercomplaint against the reporter on Wednesday for allegedly issuing a false complaint and tarnishing his reputation.

The Nation