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Published on July 14, 2007

The student was raped when she spent two nights in February at the home of teacher Amporntip Suttivejkul, who was absent at the time.

The rape came to light after the girl became pregnant.

Amporntip, 45, has been suspended without pay.

"This is disciplinary action against her for failing to take care of the student," the office's acting director Panya Khlangklang said.

He said Amporntip was considered innocent until proven guilty on charges of procuring a girl younger than 13 years.

"If the police investigation shows she was involved but there is not enough evidence to convict her, she still will not be allowed to go back to teaching," Panya said.

But, if police do not find any convincing evidence against Amporntip, she can return to work and will be paid retroactively. Amporntip denies any wrongdoing. She dismissed speculation she lured the girl to her house for her close friend to rape.

"There were three girls in my house that night. No one told me about the attack when I returned home," she said.

Kraisri Chanont, a teacher at another school, reported to police yesterday and denied he raped the schoolgirl.

"I am ready for a DNA test," he said.

Chanuman district police superintendent Colonel Songyuth Suisoong-nern said witness statements suggested there were grounds to believe Kraisri committed rape.

The Nation

AMNAT CHAROEN