3-Year-Old Thai Girl Still In I C U After Left Unattended All Day In Parked School Van

[yourauntbob]

Ok, so I know some people are going to jump on me for this but why are some many people blaming the teacher? As a teacher I record all absences in my classes and send those names to the office. The office then contacts the parents about the absence. Many of my students are not in school 20-40% of the time and there is nothing I can really do about it. If I had to contact each and every parent each day they were not here I wouldnt have time to teach. Granted I teach older students (high school) but it is just not feasible. IF this was a field trip or some other function in which I saw the child at the beginning of the day and they were no longer with the class THEN it would fall on the teacher.

The driver should be fired and brought up on charges of negligence. Its sad its probably not going to happen. I hope the little girls is able to make a full recovery.

[Fullstop]

shit agai and again...i am leaving this country and i am happy to leave

Newsflash "Man rapes woman in America"

"Oh my God! All these yanks are rapists! I'm leaving this country!"

Edited April 5, 2013 by Fullstop

[bri1guy]

Somebody could be charged with Involuntary manslaughter, also called criminally negligent homicide, the unintentional killing of another human if the child dies.

Edited April 5, 2013 by metisdead
Bold font removed.

[justathought]

how can people be so irresponsible

[Gonzo the Face]

This instance is really upsetting for me.

I have read through all the posts as well as other media reports.

It has been reported that this 3 year old got on the bus at 7:30 AM, and the teacher who was monitoring the children, or should have been monitoring them, stated they arrived at school at 9:45 at which time she counted all the children and saw this 3 year old get off. Is a 2 + hour bus ride for a 3 year normal??? If the teacher saw the child unload, didn't she see that the child was not in class, ( unless it was not the childs teacher } Police report that the teacher/monitor's stories as related to them, were contradictory. No doubt the local way of say whatever you must but the prime directive is to CYA.

What I cannot imagime, and this is just me, is not seeing that a 3 year old,,,,,, a 3 year old is unattended ! ! If there were others on the bus of around the same age, how can anyone be so calloused and relaxed as to not be 110% attentive of these babies ??... ! ! !

.... and the reason for this post,,,,,, can anyone, or does anyone have any way of getting a periodic condition update for this child.. This concerns me so, mainly as except for the grace of God, this could have been one of my grandchildren.

G

[timewilltell]

What a terrible story. I know everyone wants to place blame and certainly a child of 3 should never be left alone going to get a bag from the bus. The driver should of course have checked the bus before locking it. But people are lazy and irresponsible and that is why systems are put in place. In this case I expect very little training given for the driver or teacher, and a complete lack of thought from the school administration in putting adequate systems in place. That probably comes down to the typically quite lazy attitude of Thai society generally but not uniquely, but also because everything is always 'Mai Pen Rai'.

There is a cuteness to 'Mai Pen Rai' but it should not show itself at work and especially not where a parent leaves the custody of their child in a school.

It is time Thailand started becoming a little more professional in its approach in some areas. All it needs is a little thought and some safety procedures put into place. I look at my own children - how terrible for the child and her parents. I do so hope everything turns out to the good for her.

[SOTIRIOS]

All school bus drivers should have a special license to transport children. Number one to be able to drive and secondly to ensure an IQ above 60.

Most van and bus (?) drivers are sadly lacking in skills, conscientiousness, moral values......

Another poor innocent victim of the 'mai bpen rai' /' sabai-sabai' attitude.....

[happysanook]

Is this possible? A driver taking children to school leaves a child in the vehicle all day and the school does not notice the absence of a student and question it knowing she is transported to the school by their own people? Thoughts and wishes are with you little one. The driver and the school both need to be brought up on culpable negligence charges.

It's possible when you're wasted on whiskey like 80% of the public transporters in Thailand. Terrifying.

Edited April 5, 2013 by happysanook

[KuhnPaen]

They arrest dumb mothers and fathers on the spot in the US for this kind of thing. Rightly so. Temperatures inside a car reach 140 F in Los Angeles--I can't even imagine what that would be like in Thailand. Poor kid. Hope she recovers.

The best defence against issues like this is Never Litigation or Arrest ..The most important defence is Education , particularly on the Dangers involving this kind of issue . Its a lack of Systems that was the problem here .

The situation you refer to ( Cars ) is often a Drug / Gambling problem .

Thats what makes this Case all the More Tragic ..Also , the school starting Age , Not sure if this is good or bad , up for Debate .

Well, ususally when this happens in the US, it's because the mom or dad leaves their kid in the car while they go shopping. Education is important but ignorance of the law doesn't excuse you from it. It's stupidity and neglect. Only an idiot would leave a kid in the car or school bus that long without checking.

[scorecard]

School bus drivers in Chiang Mai are some of the worst drivers anywhere, they charge around with lights flashing and a huge sign in their front window as though they are on a mission from God. Rarely is their standard of driving even close to being good and the idea that the kids under their management should be forced to wear seatbelts is something that hasn't occured to them.

I don't think anyone should be forced to wear seatbelts, yes, I know they save lives, but they have cost them as well. It should be a personal choice.

For kids?

No, the kids parents.

So how does that work?

Some parents wants seat belts other don't (in your opinion, because they cost money).

So perhaps you could provide a planning tool which instantly schedules kids to seats with / without belts, and perhaps you could calculate a discount % for kids who don't use them compared to those who do.

Edited April 5, 2013 by scorecard

[Bobsufc]

Don't blame the teacher this is summer school and half the kids don't turn up.

If they checked every absentee with a phone call then that would take half the day

This Is obviously the drivers fault. He parked and locked the vehicle without checking if there were kids still inside.

I he is a school employee then it is job is to make sure the kids are delivered to class.

Though why a parent would send a 3 year old to school unaccompanied in a van is beyond me. I suppose she could have been with an older sibling or something.

I notice as usual people start to argue off topic (Start a new thread about seatbelts) Your a pack of whinging old men with nothing else to do but Thai bash.

I remember In Australia a woman left he baby in a locked car to spend the day in the casino in Melbourne. There are idiots in our countries too. At least the Thais have some excusemost of them being less well educated.

Edited April 5, 2013 by Bobsufc

[nakhonandy]

Don't blame the teacher this is summer school and half the kids don't turn up.

If they checked every absentee with a phone call then that would take half the day

This Is obviously the drivers fault. He parked and locked the vehicle without checking if there were kids still inside.

I he is a school employee then it is job is to make sure the kids are delivered to class.

Though why a parent would send a 3 year old t to school unaccompanied in a van is beyond me.

Of course blame the teacher as well. All kids should be checked on and off. As for the statement that she went back to get something, why alone?

[laislica]

Don't blame the teacher this is summer school and half the kids don't turn up.

If they checked every absentee with a phone call then that would take half the day

This Is obviously the drivers fault. He parked and locked the vehicle without checking if there were kids still inside.

I he is a school employee then it is job is to make sure the kids are delivered to class.

Though why a parent would send a 3 year old t to school unaccompanied in a van is beyond me.

It sounds more like a cresh not a school.

The parents need to work to make the payments on the car, m/c, TV, house, iPad etc.

Ya know, all the things that are important to show off to your family and friends.

It's all about personal priorities, unfortunately.

[bangarang]

Wow! how do you miss a child in this situation? I hope the parents will get some kind of justice for this kind of neglect from the school staff.

[joecos]

The poor little darling, its amazing she is still alive.

God bless sweetheart, you are in my families prayers.

[scorecard]

Don't blame the teacher this is summer school and half the kids don't turn up.

If they checked every absentee with a phone call then that would take half the day

This Is obviously the drivers fault. He parked and locked the vehicle without checking if there were kids still inside.

I he is a school employee then it is job is to make sure the kids are delivered to class.

Though why a parent would send a 3 year old t to school unaccompanied in a van is beyond me.

Of course blame the teacher as well. All kids should be checked on and off. As for the statement that she went back to get something, why alone?

Certainly agree on your 'why alone?' comment.

A three year year old allowed to go to the bus / car parking area alone, probably others cars and buses arriving and leaving.

If this is true, then it's way more than 'negligent' on the part of the teacher and/or driver.

Further, schools should have these things better organized overall, but the reality is they don't.

Further, I drive into the school yard and through the car park and out again twice every week-day. Many of the parents speed through the yard /car park with no regard whatever for the fact that kids, many quite small, are wandering around.

I'm aware of one international school in Bkk which has banned one hi-so mother from bringing her car onto the school grounds for these reasons.

Edited April 5, 2013 by scorecard

[Pimay1]

Don't blame the teacher this is summer school and half the kids don't turn up.

If they checked every absentee with a phone call then that would take half the day

This Is obviously the drivers fault. He parked and locked the vehicle without checking if there were kids still inside.

I he is a school employee then it is job is to make sure the kids are delivered to class.

Though why a parent would send a 3 year old t to school unaccompanied in a van is beyond me.

Of course blame the teacher as well. All kids should be checked on and off. As for the statement that she went back to get something, why alone?

And didn't notice the child didn't return.

[Baerboxer]

Is this possible? A driver taking children to school leaves a child in the vehicle all day and the school does not notice the absence of a student and question it knowing she is transported to the school by their own people? Thoughts and wishes are with you little one. The driver and the school both need to be brought up on culpable negligence charges.

Agree with you completely. I remember a similar case in KSA a few years ago. The driver and school were both prosecuted. It seems incredible that no one checks; and even more incredible that lessons are not learnt.

Let's hope the youngster makes a full recovery.

[lee b]

this is shocking ! You should not even leave your pet dog in a car / van all bloody day !!

[Baerboxer]

Don't blame the teacher this is summer school and half the kids don't turn up.

If they checked every absentee with a phone call then that would take half the day

This Is obviously the drivers fault. He parked and locked the vehicle without checking if there were kids still inside.

I he is a school employee then it is job is to make sure the kids are delivered to class.

Though why a parent would send a 3 year old to school unaccompanied in a van is beyond me. I suppose she could have been with an older sibling or something.

I notice as usual people start to argue off topic (Start a new thread about seatbelts) Your a pack of whinging old men with nothing else to do but Thai bash.

I remember In Australia a woman left he baby in a locked car to spend the day in the casino in Melbourne. There are idiots in our countries too. At least the Thais have some excusemost of them being less well educated.

What complete drivel. This is about a Thai school, which should ensure its pupils safety at all times. You insinuate that Australian half-wits have more intelligence than Thai school teachers and van dirvers and then have the gall to slag others off for Thai bashing.

The point is, that parents in all countries believe schools, including school transport when used, is a safe place to trust with their children. This is a tragedy that should not happen in any country. It is not the same situation as a moronic parent acting stupidly in Australia or anywhere else.

[Buchholz]

Ok, so I know some people are going to jump on me for this but why are some many people blaming the teacher? As a teacher I record all absences in my classes and send those names to the office. The office then contacts the parents about the absence. Many of my students are not in school 20-40% of the time and there is nothing I can really do about it. If I had to contact each and every parent each day they were not here I wouldnt have time to teach. Granted I teach older students (high school) but it is just not feasible. IF this was a field trip or some other function in which I saw the child at the beginning of the day and they were no longer with the class THEN it would fall on the teacher.

The driver should be fired and brought up on charges of negligence. Its sad its probably not going to happen. I hope the little girls is able to make a full recovery.

.

These weren't high school students, but 3 year-olds.

Part of the teacher's duties at this school are to escort the students from the arriving vans and bring them into the school.

The teacher charged with negligence resulting in serious injury has submitted conflicting stories, saying she allowed the little girl to return to the van to retrieve a school bag, but then also saying that she locked the van after the students had emerged (and thus making it impossible for the student to return to it and retrieve her school bag).

The driver of the van that is also charged is, coincidentally, also a teacher at the school.

.

.

[Buchholz]

Meanwhile, the child, Manassanan Thongphu, remains unconscious in a coma with cerebral edema.

.

Too cute.

Too sad.

.

[mca]

^ Bless her heart

[Pimay1]

Meanwhile, the child, Manassanan Thongphu, remains unconscious in a coma with cerebral edema.

.

Too cute.

Too sad.

.

What a precious child. I cannot type what I am thinking about the teacher and the van driver. I pray she recovers fully and justice is done otherwise.

Edited April 5, 2013 by Pimay1

[theajarn]

Pavena Foundation -- again. You know, to be honest I think the founder of this organization deserves that "Woman of the Year" award -- if such an award really means anything.

I mean ... when women are in need, who do they think of first?

Definitely not the Women's Empowerment Whatever Fund ones~! There's probably a good reason for that too!

They don't do sh*t!

[Stefanix]

IN: "1,2,3,4.....15!"

OUT: "1,2,3,4...14! One is missing!"

Is even that asked too much of this "mai pen rai"- country?

Yes, that's too much! Have you never seen people using a calculator to add 10 Baht and 5 Baht?

[scorecard]

Don't blame the teacher this is summer school and half the kids don't turn up.

If they checked every absentee with a phone call then that would take half the day

This Is obviously the drivers fault. He parked and locked the vehicle without checking if there were kids still inside.

I he is a school employee then it is job is to make sure the kids are delivered to class.

Though why a parent would send a 3 year old t to school unaccompanied in a van is beyond me.

Of course blame the teacher as well. All kids should be checked on and off. As for the statement that she went back to get something, why alone?

Bobsufc:

- What has 'half the kids don't turn up' got to do with this matter?

- I have never seen or heard of a school where the driver escorts all the kids to their classroom, even if the driver is a direct employee of the school.

- If the driver drops the small kids at a designated point where they are received by teachers / admin staff who are assigned to take them then there class rooms then there'ss another scenario, but in any event a three year old allowed to just go back to a car park area without an escort is just not OK.

[EyesWideOpen]

What a tragedy.... :-( Strikes a bit close to home for me, as my daughter starts school this year. Guess I will be driving back and forth to school each day rather than trusting the life of my child to a moron driving a van. I wonder if this mai pen rai attitude extends onto the school grounds as well?? " Sorry sir that the merry go round severely injured your daughter. We kept meaning to fix it". Perhaps I will have to think about home schooling.....

Edited April 5, 2013 by EyesWideOpen

[candypants]

stories like this chill me to my very marrow, my only solace is that my child at age 6, would be able to unlock the front doors to get out.

[candypants]

this is shocking ! You should not even leave your pet dog in a car / van all bloody day !!

your grasp of the obvious is commendable