Tragic End to Search for Missing Four-Year-Old Boy in Pattani

Picture courtesy of Amarin

A heartbreaking incident has shaken the community of Yamu subdistrict in Yaring district, Pattani province, as the body of a four-year-old boy who had been missing for nearly 30 hours was discovered floating in the Yaring River on the afternoon of 30 June.

The young boy, identified as Master Wayunus, had been reported missing by his family on the morning of 29 June, after he failed to return home from playing outside. According to relatives, the boy was last seen around 10.00. His sudden disappearance prompted a large-scale search operation involving local rescue teams from Chalarmphai, Santi Lifesaving Unit, and concerned villagers.

Search efforts were concentrated in the vicinity of the riverside community outside the military camp, an area frequently visited by local children. Authorities feared the worst as the area is known to be an open and potentially hazardous zone due to its proximity to the riverbank.

On the morning of 30 June, divers and sonar scanning equipment were deployed to assist with the underwater search in the Yaring River. Family members and locals gathered anxiously throughout the day, holding onto hope for a positive outcome.

At approximately 16.00, a rescue team member spotted a suspicious object floating near the search operation’s command post, just 200 metres away. Upon closer inspection, the object was confirmed to be the lifeless body of the missing boy, tangled with river debris.

His body was immediately retrieved and transported to Yaring Hospital for a formal post-mortem examination. Initial assessments suggest the child likely drowned after accidentally falling into the river while playing, a theory supported by some neighbours who claimed to have seen the boy with one or two other children earlier that day.

The victim, described by his family as cheerful and playful, had apparently wandered off while playing with friends. Despite the family’s immediate attempts to locate him and question nearby children, no substantial leads emerged until the discovery of his body.

Pattani police have launched a full investigation into the incident. Forensic examination of the body will be conducted to rule out any other possible causes of death, with findings expected to be included in the final report.

Local leaders are now considering additional signage and barriers along the riverbank, along with a community education campaign to prevent future tragedies of this nature.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-01