Thai protester who alleged sexual abuse at school faces storm of criticism for speaking out

Nalinrat Tuthubthim appeared with black tape over her mouth, holding a placard that read: ‘I have been sexually abused by teachers. School is not a safe place’

Among other demands, students have been campaigning for greater freedom and gender equality at schools, which they say are designed to instil archaic principles of obedience

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Nalinrat Tuthubthim, who claims she was sexually abused by a teacher, during a pro-democracy protest in Bangkok. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:05pm, 23 Nov 2020Updated: 5:10pm, 23 Nov 2020

A row over a Thai woman who held up a placard alleging sexual abuse in schools has put a spotlight on harassment in the education system even as she draws threats of legal action for misrepresentation and attacks for tarnishing Thailand’s image.

The issue is the latest on which discussion has become more vocal as an anti-government protest movement seeking reform of the monarchy also emboldens people in a society where conservatism has often constrained criticism of the powerful.

“I hope my case will raise awareness for people in society, for students in schools, for adults who send children to schools, for teachers and for the Ministry of Education,” 20-year-old Nalinrat Tuthubthim said.

Nalinrat, now a university student, had previously made allegations on social media of being sexually harassed at school several years ago.

But she grabbed attention at the weekend when she dressed in a high-school uniform at a protest in Bangkok, put black tape over her mouth and held up a placard that read: “I have been sexually abused by teachers. School is not a safe place.”