Lorn Sorakanit, 56, and Pimol Chunsri, 48, were charged with sexually abusing two other students of Prachanukul School in Sai Mai district. Their alleged victims are girls aged eight and nine.

The teachers, who have denied any wrongdoing, yesterday reported to police at the Division for the Suppression of Crimes against Children, Juveniles and Women with colleagues and their lawyers.

"My colleagues can provide alibis," Lorn said.

The teachers' lawyer Kingkaew Yomemuang said the suspects were released without having to put up any assets as a bond because they turned up voluntarily.

Kingkaew said police had not yet pressed charges against the teachers in relation to a rape claim filed by a fifth student.

In a related development, another lawyer representing the teachers lodged a complaint against Chat Thai Party's deputy leader Chuwit Kamolvisit with the Criminal Court.

Chai Tapaphupha accused Chuwit of defaming the teachers when he offered support to Pavena Hongsakul, who helped the alleged victims to lodge complaints, and gave press interviews on Tuesday.

The lawyer said Chuwit's actions suggested the teachers sexually abused the children and that the pair should be suspended.

"The suspects are innocent till proven guilty," Chai said.

The Criminal Court said it

would consider whether to proceed with the case against Chuwit on October 30.