CHIANG MAI– Police report three girls, aged 7-9, who disappeared from their boarding school dormitory at Rajaprajanugroh 30 School in Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai, Thailand, on August 3, 2025, have been found safe.
The girls identified as Natnicha Phewkaeo (7), Chomkhwan Siamlai (9), and Kamolnit Wilai (9) left the school early on August 3. After an overnight search and growing concern among teachers, police and families, they were found walking eight kilometres from their school.
The girls went missing around 1 a.m. on August 3. Teachers discovered their absence and quickly notified police and the girls’ families. Search teams spent the day looking for them, spreading the word in nearby communities and online.
Residents were asked to check security cameras for signs of the girls passing by between August 3 and 4. Authorities focused on villages along possible routes, including Ban San Khong, Ban San Phak La, Ban Hoeng, Ban Pu Chae, Ban Huai San, and others.
Several security cameras recorded the girls between 3 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., but they disappeared from view later in the day.
By late afternoon on August 4, local police officers and villagers spotted the girls walking along a road in Ban San Pa Hiew, about eight kilometres from the school. When asked, the girls admitted they didn’t want to return to the boarding school and appeared shaken but unharmed.
According to Mae Ai district officials, the oldest girl comes from a family that grows corn, and she knows how to find food outside the school. The kids managed by picking wild fruits and corn. They showed signs of anxiety and were still crying when found, but they were physically okay.
Teachers, police and community leaders worked together to contact families and make sure the girls were safe. The school plans to talk with the families and work with local authorities to address the situation and prevent it from happening again.
The children are now under care and support from their teachers as they recover from the experience. Their families have been notified, and everyone is relieved at the positive outcome. Steps are being taken to review school safety and provide more support for students.
