Boy, 12, Found Dead in Abandoned Car in Betong, Yala

A 12-year-old special needs boy, known as Nong Bes, has been found dead inside an abandoned car in Betong district, Yala province, after being missing for three days. His body was discovered at around 4.00pm on 15 April 2026 behind a car repair garage. Police have not yet confirmed the cause of death and have sent the body for autopsy.

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Bes had been reported missing since midday on 12 April after leaving his home in Soi Sap Anan, Moo 1, Yarom subdistrict. His family and local residents, along with more than 30 officials including police, military personnel, administrative officers and rescue workers, had searched extensively in nearby areas where he was known to play, including forested land and the Betong canal.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

According to his mother, Wanida, 38, her son had never disappeared for such a long period before and usually stayed close to home. She said he often played in the forest behind the village or went fishing in the nearby canal. Despite immediate efforts to locate him and a police report filed on the day he went missing, no trace was found until the discovery.

Village defence volunteers searching the area detected an unusual smell behind a car garage and followed it to an abandoned blue Ford saloon car with Malaysian registration. The vehicle had been left there for sometime. Bes’s body was found lying behind the rear seat inside the car.

Initial examinations by police and a hospital doctor found no signs of physical assault or visible injuries. Authorities believe the boy may have entered the vehicle during the hot weather and fallen asleep, before succumbing to the effects of the heat. His shoes were found placed at the front footwell, suggesting he may have climbed over the back seat before losing consciousness.

Police have collected fingerprints from the scene for forensic analysis and have not ruled out other possibilities, including whether the boy may have been lured to the location. The body has been sent to Betong Hospital for a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Khaosod reported that the case has deeply affected the local community, with many residents having participated in the search efforts. Authorities are expected to await autopsy results before making further conclusions.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 16 Apr 2026