Thai toddler rescued from debtors in central Thailand

Chalida Palamart, also known as Ton Aor, from the One Foundation, yesterday coordinated with police and local officials to rescue a one year old Thai toddler girl from a tense situation in a house in Chachoengsao province.

The child’s mother, 38 year old Pern, had contacted the foundation from abroad for help, as the toddler was being held by a creditor who was threatening to take her to a neighbouring country if her debt was not paid.

Upon arrival at the house, the homeowner, Pa Nok, denied the child’s presence and refused entry. She was agitated when questioned about who had reported the situation. Ton Aor explained that the mother had contacted the foundation for help, resulting in a heated confrontation.

Pa Nok then handed her phone to Ton Aor to speak with her daughter, Petchara, leading to another altercation. Petchara stated there was a contract for taking care of the child and that the mother owed money to her mother, Pa Nok.

Despite the conflict, Ton Aor insisted the toddler was not a bargaining tool, and the debt issue should be resolved between Pa Nok and the child’s mother. Petchara then explained that the child was not at the house but with her sister, and she was on her way there.

When Petchara arrived, another dispute ensued. She claimed she was taking good care of the child and was not holding her hostage, while her mother demanded the child’s mother repay the money if she wanted her child back.

Following a 20 minute argument, Pa Nok and Petchara agreed to release the child. The Thai toddler, who was visibly distressed, was comforted via a video call with her mother before being taken to the police station for official record. She was then entrusted to her aunt for care until her mother could return from South Africa.

Ton Aor revealed that the mother had met Pa Nok, who had offered to be a guarantor for a loan outside the system of 100,000 baht. The mother had to repay 300,000 baht in total. When the debt increased, Pa Nok began pressuring the mother, leading her to work in South Africa.

Prior to her departure, she signed an agreement to pay monthly child support of up to 14,000 baht, depending on the child’s age, which was separate from the debt. As the mother had to repay another loan of 200,000 baht first, she could not afford the child support, leading to Pa Nok’s threats, reported KhaoSod.