Missing 17-year-old found safe in Bangkok

A 17-year-old girl reported missing on August 24 has been found safe at a restaurant in Bangkok's Bueng Kum district, 16 days after leaving home and becoming unreachable.

Police found her on September 9 after establishing that she had travelled alone through several provinces in eastern Thailand before reaching the capital. Investigators said there was no sign she had been lured away or that a romantic relationship was involved.

Instead, officers believe she had been travelling without a clear destination while dealing with serious personal problems and emotional distress.

Search led police to Bueng Kum

Initial searches by her family did not produce a clear indication of where she had gone. The Mirror Foundation had pursued possible leads for around two weeks before police stepped up their efforts.

A breakthrough came when a motorcycle taxi rider said he recognised the teenager and remembered taking her somewhere. He could not recall precisely where he had dropped her off, but investigators retraced likely destinations using his account.

That work eventually led officers to the restaurant in Bueng Kum, where she was found.

The girl had reportedly slept outside convenience stores and in other well-lit areas, as well as using inexpensive daily rental rooms. She also kept a diary about her experiences while away from home.

Picture courtesy of Matichon

Relatives and search teams had become increasingly worried because she had enough money to support herself for only a short period. Her actions were considered unusual, as she was normally focused on her studies and had not previously displayed this type of concerning behaviour.

Restaurant owner offered work and shelter

The restaurant owner said the girl had appeared outside the premises late at night with nowhere to sleep. The owner gave her money, a place to stay and work at the restaurant for 500 baht per day.

She had initially wanted to work for two days. However, she stayed longer after saying she wanted to save 15,000 baht to bring back to her family.

After finding her, officers learned that she had come close to taking her own life. She was returned to her family and referred to a multidisciplinary team, which will assess the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

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12 September 2026