A desperate search is underway in northern Thailand after three young girls, aged seven to nine, went missing from their boarding school in Chiang Mai province on the night of August 3. The girls reportedly slipped away from the dormitory in the early hours, sparking concern among authorities and widespread alarm among the local community.
The children – Natnicha Phewkaew (7), Jomkwan Siamlai (9) and Kamonnit Wilai (9) – were last seen leaving Rajaprajanugroh 30 School, located in the Tha Ton sub-district of Mae Ai, an area close to the Myanmar border.
CCTV footage captured the trio walking alone along a road near Mae Ai Luang Temple, Thairath School, and Mae Ai Fresh Market. Two of the girls were seen holding umbrellas, walking in the dark at around 1am.
Authorities Deploy Drones, Urge Public to Stay Vigilant
The Mae Ai Police Station has launched a full-scale search operation and is now working closely with community leaders across 15 surrounding villages. Drones will be deployed in forested and residential areas to assist in the search. The use of drones comes amid concerns over Thailand’s temporary nationwide drone ban, but authorities reassured the public that search efforts remain lawful and focused on child safety.
The police believe the girls may have entered one of the nearby residential communities, including Ban San Kong, Ban San Phak La, Ban Hong, Ban Pu Chae, and Ban Huay San, among others.
At this point, the school has not issued an official statement explaining how or why the children managed to escape undetected during the night. Thai netizens have speculated that homesickness may have motivated the girls’ decision to leave, though many question why no staff intervened.
Online, the case has gone viral on Thai social media, with widespread calls for improved safety protocols in school dormitories. Many users expressed disbelief that such young children could vanish without staff knowledge, with some questioning the adequacy of school security measures.
Missing Persons Cases Highlight Need for Child Safety Reform
This incident is the latest in a troubling pattern of missing child cases across the region. With increasing scrutiny on boarding institutions and youth care facilities, there is mounting pressure on both the Ministry of Education and local authorities to strengthen oversight, particularly in rural and border districts.
As the search continues, police urge residents of Chiang Mai and nearby provinces to stay alert and report any sightings. The hope is that with public help, the three girls can be found safe and reunited with their families soon.
This is a developing story.