Accident Missing 10-Year-Old Boy Found Drowned in Temple Pond in Nakhon Si Thammarat

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 10-year-old boy who went missing overnight was found dead on the morning of 19 May, in a pond outside a temple, sending shockwaves through the local community.

 

Police in Phra Phrom district confirmed the discovery of the body of the child, known as “Fan”, a special needs student at the Nakhon Si Thammarat Special Education Centre. His body was found floating face down in a pond in front of Wat Sakhu Tai, Moo 3, Chang Sai Subdistrict.

 

The tragic discovery was made around 11:30 by one of Fan’s teachers, who had been handing out flyers to locals and monks at the temple to aid in the search. Upon leaving the temple grounds, the teacher spotted the boy’s lifeless body near the edge of the water and immediately alerted authorities.

 

Rescue workers and police, led by Pol. Lt. Anan Boonphet of Phra Phrom Police Station, along with medical staff and a local foundation team, recovered the child’s body. No signs of physical assault or injury were found, suggesting accidental drowning.

 

Fan had been missing since the evening of 18 May. His mother, Ms. Pooncharasmith, 41, said she finished work at around 22:00 and noticed he wasn’t home. Seeing that his shoes were also gone, she feared he had wandered off again. He had reportedly gone missing on several previous occasions but was usually found within minutes.

On this occasion, CCTV footage from the local Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) showed him walking past a road near Wat Sakhu Tai at 21:26. This prompted family members and local residents to begin an urgent search, which continued into the early hours of the morning. The boy’s disappearance was officially reported to Phra Phrom police.

 

Speaking through tears, Ms. Pooncharasmith said the temple, located approximately two kilometres from their home, was familiar to Fan, who had previously visited to make merit and attend community events. “I never imagined it would end like this,” she said.

 

Police believe that the child may have fallen into the large, unlit pond during the night. The water is said to be three to five metres deep in places. With no signs of foul play, the family did not request a further investigation and have since taken custody of the body for funeral rites.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-20.