A Nakhon Ratchasima school director facing the sack after being accused of having an affair with a student, could be fired anyway for not having turned up for work since the scandal hit the headlines.
Nathaphop Boonthongtho, 51, who faces disciplinary action over his alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old, has allegedly angered his bosses further by his absence from work.
"If he is absent from work for 15 consecutive days without a valid reason, he will be punished for a serious disciplinary violation," Suwit Sichai, acting chief of Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Education Office, said Monday.
The school principal has not turned up for work for six straight days, citing illness.
Officials are checking a medical certificate Mr Nathaphop submitted to back his claim that he is suffering from a lung infection, said Sanong Susa-at, head of Education Zone 6, which oversees Mr Nathaphop's school -- Wat Ban Patong Tha Neon Samakkhee School, in Bua Yai district.
The school director said he needed to see doctors on Sunday and today but would return to work on Thursday, Mr Sanong said.
Mr Nathaphop has been transferred to an inactive job as a result of the scandal.
He and the girl have kept a low profile since the sex scandal sparked a media frenzy.
Bua Yai police chief Pol Col Kharom Boonsod said on Sunday Mr Nathaphop had contacted officers and promised to turn himself to police tomorrow.
The scandal prompted Mr Suwit to sign an order on Monday kick-starting a disciplinary probe into accusations of sexual abuse now involving at least two female students.
The investigation must be wrapped up in 180 days, he said.
An initial investigation found the 14-year-old girl, who is studying in Matthayom 2, or Grade 8, became involved in an intimate relationship with Mr Nathaphop. In Line messages, Mr Nathaphop even called the girl his "wife."
The girl's parents have still refused to allow police to question their daughter, Mr Sanong said.
Social welfare officials on Monday suggested the girl and her mother stay for a while at the Nakhon Ratchasima Shelter for Children and Families, hoping this will help relieve anxiety the girl is suffering from as a result of the publicity, he said.
A 13-year-old school friend of the girl (photo above) also allegedly fell prey to Mr Nathaphop.
Her parents lodged a complaint with police on Saturday, accusing the school director of trying to sexually assault their daughter in his car. He allegedly offered the girl 2,000 baht to have sex with him, but she refused, the parents said.
Police have so far questioned 20 witnesses and are looking to hear what Mr Nathaphop and the 14-year-old girl have to say, deputy Bua Yai police chief Pol Lt Col Sukri Plangkan said.