BANGKOK, Thailand – Ms. Thippakesorn Buaphueng, a senior government teacher at a well-known school in Chom Bueng District, Ratchaburi, along with community leaders, local residents, and two parents of a female Mathayom 2 (Grade 8) student, submitted a petition to the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD), urging an investigation into alleged corruption at the school.
Ms. Thippakesorn tearfully revealed that she was seeking justice after discovering corruption and misconduct among school personnel. However, instead of proper action being taken, she faced threats and harassment. She also disclosed that there had been a physical assault on a student at the school, but the matter was covered up and never addressed.
She and local villagers had submitted complaints to the Director of the Ratchaburi Primary Educational Service Area Office 1 (Ratchaburi ESAO 1) in October and November 2024, calling for an investigation. However, there was no progress or response.
“On November 6, 2024, the school director even defamed me, accusing me of making false reports and threatened that if I continued to raise complaints, he would go as far as getting me dismissed from government service,” Ms. Thippakesorn said through tears.
On November 26, 2024, she submitted a formal complaint to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Ratchaburi. Then, on March 4, 2025, the ESAO director issued an order transferring her to temporarily assist at Ban Krok Singkhon School. This decision was made based on false information presented to the Subcommittee on Civil Service Teachers and Educational Personnel (Teachers’ Civil Service Subcommittee) in Ratchaburi ESAO 1.
However, on March 18, 2025, the school board and staff at Ban Krok Singkhon resolved to send her back to her original school.
Then, on April 1, 2025, the Ratchaburi NACC notified her in writing that her allegations had merit, and disciplinary actions should be taken. Yet, the ESAO director has still not allowed her to return to her original school and provided no explanation.
Ms. Thippakesorn expressed deep frustration, stating that she feels unfairly treated by her superiors. “What I reported was in the public interest — corruption that affects the education system. But instead, I was unwillingly transferred, forced to travel farther for work, incur higher expenses, and suffer shame and emotional distress to the point of needing hospital care. I’m also afraid for my safety due to the director’s threats.”
She added that she was most concerned about students’ welfare, especially after learning that some had been physically assaulted. Parents had reported incidents to the police, but the school remained silent and took no action. “I couldn’t bear to see this injustice continue,” she said.
For these reasons, Ms. Thippakesorn, along with concerned parents, submitted documents and evidence to the ACD, asking for a formal investigation into both the corruption and the threats against her. They also requested protection due to safety concerns and called for an investigation into the reported abuse of students.
