Martial Arts Instructor at Rattana Taekwondo Faces Growing Allegations

CHIANG MAI — Rattana Taekwondo, a martial arts studio in Chiang Mai, has come under fire as multiple former students have taken to social media with allegations of misconduct against instructor Evangel Peh. What started as individual stories has now sparked widespread concern, with parents and community members demanding answers.

“He always had a reason to keep me after class,” shared a former student, now 19, who chose to remain anonymous. “At the time, I told myself I was overthinking it, but in hindsight, it was not normal. He made comments that made me uncomfortable, and I didn’t feel like I could say anything because he was in a position of power.”

Social media posts from former students describe a pattern of inappropriate comments, excessive physical contact under the guise of instruction, and behavior that some believe exploited the trust inherent in the martial arts mentor-student dynamic.

One former student, identified only as M., recounted their early experiences at the studio: “At first, he made me feel special. Then, his hands started to linger too long. He would whisper things that I didn’t fully understand at the time.”

Another anonymous account described: “It started with minor adjustments—hands on my shoulders, guiding my arms. Then, his touch lasted too long, hands pressing on my waist, his presence too close.”

Concerns over private lessons have also emerged, with several former students stating they felt uncomfortable in one-on-one settings with Peh.

“They need to be clear about what they’re doing to address this,” said L. Parker, a parent whose child trained at the studio. “A vague statement isn’t enough. Will this instructor still be allowed to teach? What safeguards are being put in place?”

Sources close to the studio indicate that Evangel Peh has not made a public statement but has denied any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, other former students and acquaintances have shared additional concerns online, though these reports remain unverified.

Dr. A. Wong, a child psychologist specializing in sports environments, commented on the situation: “Martial arts training requires physical interaction and strong mentor-student relationships. This makes it critical for studios to establish clear boundaries, provide staff with proper training, and have transparent reporting procedures.”

As discussions continue, the community remains split—some demand a thorough investigation, while others caution against drawing conclusions based solely on unverified social media accounts.

Local authorities have not confirmed whether a formal investigation is underway. Concerned parents are encouraged to report any issues directly to the relevant authorities rather than relying solely on social media discussions.

(This article reports on allegations shared on social media. At the time of publication, no formal charges or investigations have been confirmed. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.)