UNKNOWN to this assistant professor, a camera recorded his alleged indecent advances towards a student.

It was a trap set up by the 21-year-old student.

And Professor Chakkarit Uttho, 41, of the liberal arts faculty was caught red-handed for misconduct.

He was fired a week ago and is now facing criminal charges.

The Ubon Rajathanee University had earlier launched an enquiry into what has become a high-profile case, reported The Bangkok Post.

The university's vice-rector said the enquiry found that Prof Chakkarit abused his position when he offered a female undergraduate good examination grades if she allowed him to touch her.

Early last month, the third-year student at the faculty of business administration, whose name was withheld, sought help from police after the first alleged approach made by the lecturer.

Police suggested she pretend to accept the offer and use a video camera to record their next meeting.

When the lecturer called her again, she agreed to meet him at his office.

And this time, she was ready.

The video footage of the meeting showed Prof Chakkarit hugging the student and allegedly trying to molest her.

University officials said the lecturer had previously been placed on probation after similar complaints were received from other female students.

But he was cleared due to a lack of evidence.

The student in the latest case has been praised for her courage in reporting the alleged incident.

Thailand's Social Development and Human Security Ministry also nominated her as one of the nation's outstanding women for helping to expose him.

The university has since set up a central committee to look into complaints of unfair grading made by certain lecturers and to prevent them from taking advantage of students from now on.

Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat has also instructed all universities to take such complaints from students seriously.

Public furore has also erupted with other academics calling for tougher disciplinary measures against lecturers guilty of sexual misconduct.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Aug 2, 2008.