Thai education authorities probe death of Chiang Mai teacher after claims of workload pressure
Thai authorities are investigating the death of a Chiang Mai English teacher after her partner alleged she was overwhelmed by additional financial duties imposed by school superiors.
- A 40‑year‑old English teacher in Chiang Mai died on 26 January, with her partner alleging workplace pressure contributed to her death.
- Her boyfriend said she had been assigned accounting and financial duties alongside teaching.
- Thailand’s Office of Basic Education Commission has launched a full investigation.
A 40‑year‑old Thai English teacher in Chiang Mai has died, with her partner alleging she was pushed to breaking point by excessive workloads at her school.
The woman, Sarinya Tayot, known to students and colleagues as “Teacher Por”, was found dead on 26 January in her smoke‑filled car near a public park.
Her boyfriend, police officer Surasit Maneejansuk, known as “Ton”, alleged she had been burdened with administrative work outside her job scope, contributing to her death.
On 2 February, Maneejansuk posted a public tribute and statement via Tayot’s Facebook account, signing off as “Inspector Ton”.
In the post, he described Tayot as a cheerful and optimistic individual who did not suffer from depression or psychiatric illness.
He said the only issue she had recently confided in him about was stress from the additional accounting and financial duties assigned by her superiors.
He alleged that on the day of her death, the principal of Sankamphaeng School had summoned her to a meeting, after which she left the school abruptly and was not seen again.
“She did not prepare for this [death] in advance. It was impulsive,” he wrote. “I have evidence that can be verified.”
Maneejansuk called for those within the Thai education system to examine the facts, stating: “Do not let good people die in vain because of powerful individuals who intimidate and pressure subordinates into doing whatever they want.”
Tayot had taught at Sankamphaeng School for over nine years. She held the title of Senior Professional Teacher in the foreign languages department.
Maneejansuk recounted to Thai TV Channel 3 that the day of her death began like any other, with both leaving home for work.
However, Tayot failed to return that evening, prompting concern. After learning from the school’s night staff that she had left the premises around 9am, he searched through the night.
She was later found deceased in her car near a public park in Chiang Mai.
On 28 January, the school issued a condolence message on its Facebook page, mourning the loss of “Ms Sarinya Tayot”, and expressing sorrow on behalf of the director, teachers, and students.
The message read in part: “ด้วยรักและอาลัยยิ่ง” — “With deepest love and condolences”.
In a follow-up comment, Maneejansuk criticised the school for placing Tayot’s personal belongings at the guard post, questioning the appropriateness and sensitivity of the act.
A photo was posted showing the items, with Maneejansuk stating: “What kind of proper treatment is this?”
In response, members of the public expressed solidarity and demanded a transparent inquiry.
On 3 February, the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC) confirmed it would launch a formal investigation into the case, according to a report by the Bangkok Post.
OBEC secretary-general Phichet Phophakdee offered condolences and said a committee would be formed to examine the circumstances.
