The 58-year-old teacher who maimed a 17-year-old schoolgirl's face in Nakhon Ratchasima province has been found guilty of a minor disciplinary violation by an inquiry and faces a possible salary cut.
The finding was announced by Chukiat Wisetsena, director of the Secondary Educational Service Area Office 31, on Friday morning.
He said a fact-finding committee found that Paithoon Klaengkrathok, a physical education teacher at Chokchaisamakkee School, committed a minor disciplinary violation in throwing a mug towards a group of students in his care.
The three-member committee headed by Samak Waikhunthod, director of Sura Nari Withaya School in Nakhon Ratchasima, concluded Mr Paithoon had thrown a mug at a group of his students, but did not intend to hit Naruedee Jodsanthia, who suffered a severe facial injury.
Her classmates said the mug hit a wall, bounced off and then hit Miss Naruedee's head, Mr Chukiat said. Students earlier said the teacher wanted the students sit quietly outside while waiting for his class, but it was too hot to sit on the ground, so some stood up and he became angry.
The impact of the mug damaged a nerve in Miss Naruedee's face. The injury prevented her from closing her mouth and left eye, and caused her face to distort to one side.
The investigative committee concluded that Mr Paithoon violated the Educational Personnel Act, which required teachers to refrain from bad behaviour. His action was considered to be a minor disciplinary offence, Mr Chukiat said.
The penalty could be probation, a temporary salary cut or a reduction in his pay scale. The management of the teacher's school would decide what was appropriate within 15 days, Mr Chukiat said.
Mr Paithoon has also been charged by police with physical assault causing injury to a student.
Pranee Jodsanthia, 48, points out the damage caused to her daughter Naruedee's face to reporters on Tuesday. (Photo by Pongpat Wongyala)