Report Starvation Claims Life of Thai Teen as Family Faces Severe Hardship

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Yongsakorn | Photo via Matichon

 

In a heart-wrenching case from Nonthaburi province near Bangkok, 14-year-old Ith tragically died of starvation, highlighting the severe poverty faced by his family. The Por Tek Tung Rescue Foundation was alerted to the dire situation on the morning of June 18, when Ith's uncle, 45-year-old Thotsaponporn, reported the boy's death.

 

Upon arrival at the family’s two-storey concrete house in Pak Kret district, rescue workers discovered an emaciated Ith lying lifelessly on the floor. The house, surrounded by overgrown weeds and grass, bore silent witness to the family’s hardships. Ith’s parents, 44-year-old Yongsakorn and 45-year-old Ananya, were found nearby, severely weakened and unable to communicate. They were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical treatment.

 

Thotsaponporn explained that his brother Yongsakorn called him that morning about Ith’s tragic death. Aware of their financial struggles, he had occasionally helped with utility bills but had not visited the family for some time due to the distance between them.

 

The family’s financial woes began over a decade ago when Yongsakorn and Ananya ceased working, having previously relied on money made from selling inherited land. However, communication with Thotsaponporn was scarce, and he was unaware of the severity of their condition.

 

It wasn’t until Ith’s passing that Thotsaponporn learned the family had not eaten for nearly a month, surviving only on tap water due to extreme poverty.

 

Neighbouring residents described the family as reclusive, with a noticeable change in their behaviour recently. A neighbour recounted how food delivery was once common but had abruptly ceased. Despite often seeing Ith sitting outside alone, interactions with him were nonexistent.

 

Rescue workers expressed deep concern over why the family did not seek help earlier from neighbours or support organisations. The lack of outreach has raised questions about the availability and awareness of local support systems for those in need.

 

This tragic incident underscores the urgent requirement for more robust community support and intervention mechanisms to prevent such heartbreaking occurrences in the future. The case starkly highlights the invisible struggles of those living in poverty and the critical need for greater societal awareness and assistance.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-19