Thai Scout Leader Accused of Sexual Harassment at World Scout Jamboree in South Korea Raises Safety Concerns
A scout group commander from the North Jeolla province of South Korea has accused a Thai scout group leader of sexual harassment during the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea. The incident occurred on August 2 when the Thai leader allegedly followed a South Korean female commander into a women’s bathroom. The accused leader claimed it was a mistaken entry and denied any intention of sexual harassment, stating that he only intended to take a shower.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety measures in place for female scouts at the event. A group of 80 scouts and their leaders have already departed from the event, expressing dissatisfaction with the response from the World Scout Jamboree committee. The South Korean woman involved lodged a complaint with the Women and Juvenile Investigation Unit of the police.
Kim Tae-yeon, the head of the North Jeolla Provincial Scout Association, criticized the event organizers for not adequately protecting the victim and other members who felt uncomfortable around the Thai scout leader. Tae-yeon mentioned that over 100 scouts witnessed the incident, further highlighting the need for better safety measures.
The event organizers have stated that they conducted an investigation and confirmed that it was not a case of sexual assault. However, they have expressed their willingness to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation. Kim Hyojin, the leader of the Women and Juvenile Investigation Unit, disclosed that officers are currently looking into whether the act was intentional or unintentional and considering the possibility of charging the Thai scout leader with unlawful entry into a private space.
On the other hand, the Permanent Secretary of the National Scout Organisation of Thailand, Suthin Kaewpana, clarified that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding. According to Suthin, the accused Thai leader had rushed to shower and failed to notice the signage indicating a women’s bathroom. Suthin explained that the Thai commander’s singing in the shower caught the attention of the South Korean Scout Commander. The accused commander has been temporarily suspended from his responsibilities and will remain under the custody of the event organizers until the conclusion of the event.
The World Scout Jamboree in South Korea, hosting over 40,000 participants from 155 countries, has faced various challenges, including concerns about female scout protection and criticism regarding the lack of professionalism on the part of the organizers.
As reported by Le Monde, 4,500 British participants decided to withdraw from the event on the second day due to several inconveniences. Attendees have complained about the absence of shaded rest areas, proper bathroom facilities, nursing beds, sufficient drinking water, flooding in the camping area, and the accumulation of trash within the premises. These issues have led some to call for the event’s cancellation. However, the organizers remain committed to continuing the event according to the original schedule, which will conclude on August 12.
The incident involving the Thai scout leader highlights the importance of ensuring a safe environment for all participants, and the appropriate authorities are actively investigating the matter. It serves as a reminder that safeguarding the well-being of scouts should be a top priority, and efforts should be made to address any shortcomings in safety measures. The World Scout Jamboree organizers should take this incident as an opportunity to review and enhance their protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
