The number of boys allegedly raped by their football coach and sponsor in Udon Thani province has risen to nine, according to police and a foundation. The updated information was shared in a meeting between officials and Pavena Hongsakula, chair of the Pavena Foundation for Women and Children, in Udon Thani on Saturday.
Apart from the eight alleged victims, police identified another underage boy recorded in a video clip and were questioning him. All the victims were 10-13 years old.
Ms Pavena said educational authorities would impose measures to prevent the abuse from recurring and ensure children’s safety and the Justice Ministry would offer 55,000 baht in compensation to each victim.
Thee Pawangkanan, deputy secretary-general of the Basic Education Commission, said a woman teacher who raised the abuse case with the foundation had been threatened and was thus transferred elsewhere for her safety.
The mother of a ten-year-old boy who was among the young victims said that affected parents and children were worried because the two suspects were temporarily released and used chat apps to try to contact the children who filed complaints against them.
The case was filed after a fourth grader met the woman teacher to return his football jersey. She was surprised because the boy loved football. The boy finally told the teacher that he had been sexually abused. Later, more parents and boys made similar complaints.
The accused persons were the boys’ football team coach, aged 43, and a retired major, 64. They were arrested on Dec 14 and confessed to the sexual abuse after police found numerous video clips depicting it.
The coach and the sponsor had allegedly persuaded young players to stay at their houses and later sexually abused the boys. Two team members, both aged 10, were rescued by the foundation. Rehabilitation measures will be established to support and protect the victims.
This incident has shocked the community and raised concerns about child safety and the potential for further abuse. The local authorities and educational institutions are expected to take swift action to prevent such situations from happening again. The involvement of the Pavena Foundation highlights the importance of support organizations in addressing child abuse cases and providing assistance to victims.
As investigations continue, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of the young victims. The law enforcement agencies must ensure that appropriate legal actions are taken against the accused individuals. The case serves as a reminder of the responsibility society holds to protect children from harm and provide them with a secure environment to thrive.
This incident underscores the necessity for continuous efforts to educate children, parents, and teachers about recognizing signs of abuse and reporting such incidents promptly. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of establishing safe spaces for children to feel comfortable speaking up about their experiences.
In conclusion, the number of boys allegedly raped by their football coach and sponsor in Udon Thani province has increased to nine. The Pavena Foundation, along with law enforcement and educational authorities, are working together to address the situation, offer support to the victims, and ensure the safety of children in the community. It is expected that steps will be taken to prevent similar cases and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
