Crime Tragedy in Chiang Rai: Stepfather Charged for Murder of Disabled Toddler

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Photo via MGR Online

 

A heart-wrenching incident has occurred in the northern province of Chiang Rai, where a Thai stepfather has been arrested for the brutal murder of his two-year-old disabled stepdaughter, Wanida. The child's body was discovered in a river following her disappearance on May 8, triggering a police investigation.

 

Wanida, who had a cleft lip and was disabled, lived with her biological mother, Namu, and her stepfather, Chamnan. Concerns escalated after Wanida's family reported her missing on May 10 to Mae Fah Luang Police Station. Suspicion fell on Chamnan when he failed to assist in the search and vanished.

 

Tragically, Wanida's biological father found her body in the river, with visible signs of physical assault. Namu disclosed to investigators that she saw Chamnan take the child away from their home, after which he disappeared. Police subsequently apprehended Chamnan on May 13, and a drug test revealed methamphetamine and morphine in his system.

 

During interrogation, Chamnan confessed to the crime, admitting he assaulted the child because her crying disrupted his sexual activity with Namu. In a rage, he threw the child to the ground repeatedly until she was unresponsive, then disposed of her body in the river.

 

The girl's biological father shared his anguish over the situation, having divorced Namu due to her drug issues and unsuccessfully sought custody of Wanida. He was aware of their drug use but never anticipated such cruelty, expressing his desire for severe justice against Chamnan.

 

Chamnan faces serious legal consequences, charged under two sections of the Criminal Law:

 

• Section 288: Intentional murder, carrying a potential death penalty, life imprisonment, or a 15 to 20-year prison term.
• Section 199: Concealing or disposing of a corpse, punishable by up to one-year imprisonment or a fine up to 2,000 baht.

 

This devastating case underscores issues of domestic violence and drug abuse, highlighting the crucial need for protective measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals in society. Authorities continue their proceedings, ensuring justice for the young victim and her grieving family.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-14

 

 

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