Thai Grade 3 boy beaten 17 times for failing Arabic reading

2026-03-23 - 10:30

BANGKOK — A mother has sought help after her nine-year-old son was allegedly beaten 17 times by a teacher at an Islamic religious school in Nong Chok, leaving bruises on his arm. The 25-year-old mother, Thinyada, brought her Grade 3 son to seek assistance from Ekkapop Lueangprasert, founder of the “Sai Mai Tong Rod” page. She said the incident occurred on 13 March after her son attended evening religious classes following his regular school day. According to the mother, she initially thought the punishment was minor when her son told her he had been hit. However, upon returning home, she found visible bruises and marks on his arm. The boy later said he was struck 17 times for failing to read 17 Arabic words, under a rule that students would be hit once for each mistake. The mother said she contacted the school and the teacher but was unable to speak directly with him. Instead, the teacher’s wife told her he felt remorse. No apology or visit followed, prompting her to file a complaint with Lam Hin Police Station. She said she would pursue legal action if no resolution is reached. She added that she does not plan to withdraw her son from the school, but wants the teacher to resign, citing concerns over repeated violent behaviour. Other parents have also come forward, alleging similar incidents involving their children. Ekkapop advised the mother to pursue legal action and take the child for a medical examination to document injuries, while his team would help coordinate with police to expedite the case.