16-3-2024 (BANGKOK) A distressing case has come to light as a Thai mother sought help from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) after her 18-year-old daughter attempted suicide, claiming that her teacher had been blackmailing her by circulating explicit videos of her on various online platforms.
According to the concerned mother, her daughter had undergone significant changes recently. The young girl appeared distressed and expressed a reluctance to pursue her university education. It was during their conversation that the daughter revealed the alleged explicit videos made by her 28-year-old male teacher, Watcharawit “Prem” Sungnart. Shockingly, the girl admitted to dating Prem when she was just 16 years old, having met him while he was a relief teacher at her high school.
The victim disclosed that Prem had recorded their sexual activities and convinced her that it was a normal practice for couples. Their relationship eventually ended when Prem avoided conscription by pursuing studies in Germany for nine months. However, even after their breakup, Prem continued to contact the victim for sexual encounters and monitored her social media accounts. His jealousy was sparked when the victim posted a picture of her new boyfriend on her Instagram account, triggering a disturbing cycle of blackmail.
The victim became suspicious when her Instagram follower count began to rapidly increase. She later discovered that her explicit videos were being shared on various online platforms, with netizens linking them back to her Instagram account. Distressed by the situation, she contemplated quitting university.
Before the family could file a police report, Prem further exacerbated the situation by posting another explicit video on a social media group within the victim’s university. Fearing for her safety and mental well-being, the family urgently lodged a complaint with the Samae Dam Police Station, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant against Prem. The victim, overwhelmed by stress and the fear of further videos being shared, confided in her mother that she wanted to end her life.
In an effort to seek justice and protect her daughter, the mother turned to the IDMB for swift intervention. Thanks to their efficient operation, Prem was apprehended at a school in the southern province of Songkhla on March 14.
During the investigation, police discovered at least 15 explicit videos and images of young girls on Prem’s mobile phone and computer. Additionally, they uncovered several online conversations with more than 10 young female students, accompanied by naked pictures of the girls. Shockingly, it was also revealed that Prem was involved in a relationship with a female student at the school where he taught.
While Prem admitted to recording the video of the victim during their relationship, he denied any involvement in posting it online. He claimed that a technician in Germany, who had repaired his mobile phone, had stolen the videos from him. When questioned about the victim’s Instagram account, which was linked to the videos, Prem refused to provide any answers.
Authorities suspect that Prem may have victimized additional students and will be intensifying their efforts to uncover further information during their questioning of him.
