The head of a children's shelter where a four-year-old girl was raped has been moved to an inactive post pending an investigation.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Paveena Hongsakula yesterday ordered the transfer of Suda Sulong, head of the Bang Lamung shelter for Children and Families in Chon Buri.
Ms Paveena said yesterday security was lax at the shelter. For example, no surveillance cameras were installed.
The minister ordered the establishment of a committee to investigate the case. Results of the probe are expected to be released next week.
"The shelter staff are 100% guilty of recklessness as they had allowed five or six men to stay at the shelter without proper reason," Ms Paveena said.
"Except for boys aged under 12, men are not allowed to stay at the shelter, which is reserved for girls and women."
The minister will visit the girl at the Police General Hospital today.
She will also meet officials to urge an overhaul of safety measures at foster homes nationwide.
Police on Friday arrested a 57-year-old man suspected of the rape.
Officers say the man, identified only as Noi, was arrested at the shelter after the girl indicated he was the rapist.
A former police officer, Mr Noi said he had been living at a disabled shelter in Chachoengsao for many years after developing osteoarthritis in his hip, which left him unable to walk properly.
The man told police he was HIV-positive and had sought a transfer to get treatment in Rayong. While waiting to be housed, he had stayed at the Bang Lamung shelter for more than a month.
The man admitted knowing several children, including the girl. He said the children helped push his wheelchair.
However, he denied raping the girl.
The girl was sent to the shelter in June after her mother was detained on drug charges.
Her mother was released from prison last week and was reunited with her daughter. The girl was sick and told her mother that she had been raped at the shelter.
Police said at least one other man had been involved in the sexual assault and they would extend the investigation.