Heartless teenage thief leaves double amputee legless in Phatthalung

In Phatthalung province, a 63 year old double amputee who is a resident of the village of Talenoi in Khuan Khanun district had her money stolen, which was meant for her prosthetic legs appointment on December 26.

Nuuray, known as Aunt Pong, underwent double leg amputation due to diabetes, first in 2021 and then in 2023. When her wounds healed, she was set to receive prosthetic legs to help with her daily life. However, a lack of funds meant she had to organise a fundraiser, which raised 13,000 baht.

Aunt Pong reported the theft to a local investigator at the Talenoi Police Station in Phatthalung province, believing the thief to be a local teenager under 15 years old. However, the case appears complex due to the age of the alleged perpetrator.

The incident has left Aunt Pong distraught as she now lacks the funds for her prosthetics. The situation was exacerbated when the family of the suspected thief taunted her about her inability to fund a legal case, leaving her feeling hopeless.

In an emotional plea, Aunt Pong expressed her deep sorrow, stating that the funds raised by her neighbours were her only hope for walking again. The loss of the money, believed to be stolen by a distant relative, has left her in total despair. The day after the theft, the suspected thief was seen with a new phone and was even posting pictures of 100 baht banknotes on his bed, reported KhaoSod.

Talenoi Police Station in Phatthalung province was contacted for an update from the case officer but he was not available. However, Deputy Investigation Officer Manit Aiewsakul provided initial information indicating that the case would proceed, albeit slowly due to the suspect being a minor.

All the evidence has been gathered and progress has been made, but dealing with juveniles differs from dealing with adult suspects. The case is currently awaiting the involvement of a multidisciplinary team.