Boy suffers electric shock from claw machine in Thai mall
A six year old boy suffered an electric shock from a claw machine at a shopping mall, with initial claims attributing it to static electricity. However, further investigation revealed the issue to be an electrical leak.
The incident occurred on January 13, when the boy’s mother, a member of the Facebook group We Are Consumers, posted a warning about the dangers of claw machines in malls.
According to the mother’s post, she wanted to alert the public to the potential hazard of the claw machine’s electrical leak. She explained that some comments questioned the reason for her post and indicated that the mall had already taken responsibility.
However, she clarified that she intended to warn others and not to seek compensation. She reported the issue to the mall’s rental area department but did not receive a follow-up, expressing that her aim was to raise awareness.
The branch manager of the claw machine company contacted the mother to apologise, inquire about the boy’s condition, and assure her that they would take full responsibility. The mother appreciated the manager’s polite and sincere manner. However, she noted that the mall itself had been silent on the matter.
The incident took place while the mother and her son were shopping and using the claw machine. The boy, who was crouching to grab a toy from the lower part of the machine, screamed when he pressed the button, indicating he was in pain.
His mother checked his palm, which was notably red, and experienced a mild electric shock herself. A part-time staff member at the store initially suggested it was static electricity, which other customers had also mentioned. However, the mother remained unconvinced.
After an hour, the boy continued to complain of pain in his hand, prompting the mother to contact the mall’s rental area department to request an electrician.
Two hours later, the claw machine manager called to apologise and revealed that the mall’s electrician had confirmed an electrical leak. The mall blamed the lessee for not grounding the machine.
The manager argued that if the mall had informed them about the grounding requirement, they would have complied, as lessees must adhere to the regulations before renting. The mother expressed her belief in the manager’s explanation.
The claw machine manager offered to take responsibility if the boy needed medical attention or if the mother had further concerns. However, the boy recovered, and no additional symptoms were observed.
The mother felt relieved upon learning that her son was fine, although she was initially alarmed by the news of the electrical leak, reported KhaoSod.
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