German Teacher Faces Fraud Charges After 16-Year Sick Leave

A 62-year-old teacher near Wesel, Germany, is facing legal action for fraud after allegedly remaining on sick leave for 16 consecutive years while continuing to receive her full salary. According to reports from Khaosod Online, the teacher began her employment in 2003 and started her extended leave in 2009, citing chronic health and mental issues. During this period, she reportedly received monthly payments ranging from 180,000 to 220,000 Thai Baht. The situation was uncovered in 2024 following a change in school management, which revealed that the teacher had been operating a beauty business and owned two condominiums. The former school director, who took office in 2015, admitted to never having met the teacher and being unaware she was still on the payroll. The total amount of alleged fraud is estimated at 9 million Thai Baht. For residents and expatriates, this case highlights the importance of rigorous administrative oversight in public institutions. While the facts of the employment status and the secondary business activities have been reported, the final judicial verdict and the specific legal consequences for the teacher remain to be confirmed by the German court system.