Cup throwing case: Teacher transferred, probe launched, treatment sought (Updated)

A schoolteacher accused of throwing a mug at a 17-year-old student, allegedly causing a facial nerve injury, has been transferred and a probe has been launched. The student's condition is being assessed in Bangkok.

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Afternoon update

Here is the latest information from our online reporters

Dr Suthon Pisuttinusart examines the damage to the face of Naruedee Jodsanthia at Yanhee Hospital in Bangkok on Wednesday, watched by Pavena Hongsakul of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women.

Naruedee wants to change schools

NAKHON RATCHASIMA - Naruedee Jodsanthia is set on finding a new school for the next semester.

She said on Thursday she was consulting her parents about transferring from Chokchaisamakkee School in Nakhon Ratchasima's Chok Chai district to another school near her home in Nong Boonmak district, or a school Muang district.

The first semester ends at the end of this month and students have a one-month holiday before returning for the second semester in early November.

As students are now preparing for exams, Miss Naruedee has asked the Education Ministry for permission to take the tests outside her school after the shocking treatment from her physical education teacher on Aug 8.

Teacher Paithoon Klaengkrathok, 58, was transferred on Wednesday from Chokchaisamakkee to Boonwattana School in Muang district and is under a disciplinary investigation after throwing a mug at the 17-year-old student, seriously injuring her face.

Mr Chukiat said on Thursday that Mr Paithoon could be liable to probation, a salary cut or dismissal – depending on the finding.

The teacher has been charged by police with physical assault causing injury to his student.

Morning story

Teacher accused of maiming pupil transferred

PRASIT TANGPRASERT

A schoolteacher in Nakhon Ratchasima accused of throwing a mug at a 17-year-old student, allegedly causing a facial nerve injury, has been transferred.

Chukiat Wisetsena, director of the Secondary Educational Service Area Office 31, said Paithoon Klaengkratok, 58, has been moved to office duties.

Mr Paithoon is a physical education teacher at Chokchai Samakkee School in Chok Chai district.

The transfer came after Pranee Jodsanthia, 48, accompanied by her daughter, Narudee, who suffered facial feature distortion after Mr Paithoon allegedly threw a mug at her, brought the issue to the media's attention.

A disciplinary panel against the teacher was under way Wednesday. A result is expected within seven days.

Mr Chukiat said an adviser to a class which Narudee, a Mathayom 5 student, attends and four other classmates who witnessed the incident testified to the panel Wednesday.

Student Somsak Kakrathok said Mr Paithoon threw a ceramic mug at Narudee and other students. The teacher became angry when students stood up to avoid sunlight during an outdoor class on Aug 8. The mug missed other students and hit Narudee's face.

Narudee was taken by Pavena Foundation for Children and Women chairwoman Pavena Hongsakula to Yanhee Hospital in Bangkok for an examination Wednesday.

Speaking at a press briefing at the hospital, its CEO Supot Sumritvanitcha said Narudee's muscles on the left side of her face were unresponsive due to a nerve injury caused by an object hitting the base of her left ear.

Dr Supot said Ms Narudee was also unable to close her left eyelid which could lead to eye irritation, inflammation and blindness without proper treatment.

He described Narudee's conditions as "severe".

However, further medical tests would determine whether facial nerves were inflamed or damaged, he added.

The attack left some swelling above her left eyebrow. After Ms Narudee went home, she was unable to close her mouth and left eye, which later developed into facial distortion.

Ms Narudee and her mother lodged a complaint with Chok Chai police on Aug 9. Later they decided to seek help from the media after the police investigation failed to make headway.

Ms Pranee said the school gave them 40,000 baht to help pay for her daughter's treatment.

The teacher also offered to pay 80,000 baht of his own money for damages.

However, the family declined the teacher's offer, saying a hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima where the girl was treated initially estimated the medical cost at 300,000 baht.

Chokchai Samakkee School director Niphon Pakdeekaew insisted the school has consistently provided assistance including medical expenses for the student.

The issue reached the media after the family's negotiations with Mr Paithoon over the medical payment failed on Monday, Mr Niphon said.

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