Grandmother Mourns Loss of 11-Year-Old Granddaughter in Drowning

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Manorom District, Chai Nat Province, as an 11-year-old girl with disabilities drowned in the Chai Nat-Pasak Canal on 23 November. Rescue teams searched for over 12 hours before suspending efforts.

 

The incident occurred around 12:30, when Pol. Lt. Navin Boonkumkrong of Hang Nam Sakhon Police Station received a report of a missing person in the canal near Moo 3, Hang Nam Sakhon Subdistrict. The missing child was identified as Naparada Nakwan (known as Pan), who had an intellectual disability.

 

Local rescue volunteers searched tirelessly with a team of over 10 divers but were unable to locate the body after seven hours. Central rescue teams joined the search later in the night, but the operation was halted at 01:35 on 24 November without success.

 

The girl’s grandmother, Mrs. Bang-on Khamkham, 62, was inconsolable, weeping over the loss while awaiting the return of Pan’s parents from Bangkok. The family performed a ritual by lighting 16 incense sticks, pleading for the discovery of her body. Relatives believe the tragedy was fated, as it coincided with Pan’s birthday the day before and a Buddhist holy day.

 

Mr. Amnuay Saraban, 65, Pan’s grandfather, explained that he was working on building an additional  room next to their house when a neighbour alerted him to a child falling into the canal. He rushed out but couldn’t find her. Pan had been under the care of her 9-year-old sibling at the time. “If I had been watching her myself, I would never have let her out of my sight,” he lamented.

 

Mrs. Bang-on revealed that she had gone out to pick chili peppers for extra income, leaving Pan at home. “Pan was a bright but disabled child. She couldn’t speak but understood everything we said. She never went near the water,” she sobbed. “Pan, come back to me! I love you more than anything else.”

 

Neighbour Mrs. Sommai Ogas, 58, stated that Pan, who had autism, was not very strong physically. “No one saw her fall in, but when we heard the sound of the younger child calling we ran to the canal, but she was already submerged and gone.”

 

Relatives noted several unique features about Pan, including birthmarks all over her body, and attributed her death to fate. “Yesterday was her 11th birthday, and today is a holy day,” her uncle remarked. “She never came near the water before, but something must have drawn her there this time. According to local beliefs, it was likely her time to go.”

 

The family continues to hope for the recovery of Pan’s body, as they mourn the loss of a beloved child taken too soon.

 

Picture from responders

-- 2024-11-25

 

 

[KhunLA]

Hard to read that news blip without a few 'WTF' thoughts.  Leave it at that, as anything else would be really offensive and in appropriate.

 

Hopefully a better ending, but doubtful ...

 

R I P