BKK school director praised for spirit as Uthai Thani teacher probed

Two teachers—one a school director in Bangkok and the other a teacher in Uthai Thani province—are the talk of the town this week, but for different reasons.

The first is Sornprapa Siripataravich, the newly appointed director of Satri Si Suriyothai School in Sathorn district of Bangkok. She is well known among her students, who call her "Director Peace," for her dedication to the school and her kindness and friendliness toward students, staff and parents.

Now, she is gaining wider recognition after appearing and singing with a school band during a farewell ceremony for senior students on February 22. At first glance, many mistook her for a student, as she was dressed in a school uniform with ponytails.

When the clips went viral, many netizens joked that they wished they could study at her school because "The director is pretty and looks young. She has a beautiful voice and is very friendly," according to someone who left a comment on Sornprapa’s Facebook page.

Sornprapa wrote that she was not good at singing and always felt stressed whenever she had to perform, especially in front of a crowd and with a live band, adding that she was asked many times by many teachers, so she decided to do it for all the students. “I'm happy that the students and everyone loved it," she said.

Meanwhile, Kannarat Pongpaiboonvet, better known as "Kun Chom Palang," a social media influencer, wrote on his Facebook page that parents and students from a school in Uthai Thani had asked him to help report the misconduct of a male teacher.

The teacher, whose name was not disclosed, allegedly enjoyed filming himself in eccentric ways, wearing only a Batman mask and a chain around his neck.

The clips were reportedly recorded inside classrooms and elsewhere on school premises.

According to the influencer, when informed about the teacher’s behaviour, the school’s director asked others not to file complaints and warned that those who reported the issue should be “prepared for the consequences.”

Theer Phawangkanan, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Basic Education Commission, revealed that the teacher in question has already been suspended and transferred to the central office, pending an investigation.

An investigative committee has been set up to look into the matter and will report back within seven days.