A Bangkok school now notorious for widespread chronic child abuse is refusing to discuss a settlement with parents now seeking millions of baht in damages.
The Sarasas Witaed Ratchaphruek School declined a court invitation to pre-trial negotiations with the parents behind a class-action civil suit demanding at least THB130 million in damages, attorney general spokesperson Prayuth Petchkhun said today, noting that school administrators said they’re happy to fight in court.
Attroney Ronnarong Kaewpetch, who represents the parents, said that 26 families have joined the suit so far and are seeking THB5 million (US$164,000) each. Last week, the court sentenced Ornuma “Teacher Joom” Plodprong, the school’s prime kindergarten abuser, to 195 days in jail while other cases move forward.
Chanwit Noisuekying, whose child’s ears were pulled violently by Ornuma as he read, said the school had refunded one semester’s tuition but took no further responsibility, such as paying for medical expenses. He said his child was traumatized and is suffering emotional problems, including episodes of self-harm. Kittanon Panyaworrachat, the father of another child victim, said he joined the lawsuit after his child exhibited similar troubling behavior.
The office spokesman said that they will invite the Nonthaburi school again to a settlement hearing next month because they want to wait for results of the children’s treatment. If the school refuses again, the case will move forward regardless, he said.
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