Appeal for 12-year-old’s kin to come forward

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Public Welfare Office (PWO) has made a public appeal for the relatives of Worawut Hahom – or anyone who knows anything of their whereabouts – to come forward. Worawut was eight years old when he was sentenced by a court to four years of state care and rehabilitation at the Observation and Protection Center (OPC) of Surat Thani. At the time, Worawut was living with his grandmother, Khreasri Hahom, who had agreed to look after him on behalf of his mother, Aom Pohpetch, and his father, Niew (surname unknown). While Worawut was in the state’s care, his grandmother – his only known relative – moved house without notifying either the boy or the OPC. In August last year, after three years of rehabilitation at the OPC in Surat Thani, Worawut was transferred to the OPC in Phuket. Worawut may be released only to a relative who is willing to take responsibility as his guardian. To do so, family members must bring along Worawut’s birth certificate, their house registration and ID card to the PWO at Phuket Provincial Hall on Narison Rd in Phuket Town. Anyone with information that may help the PWO locate Worawut’s family should call the Office at 212726 or 240414.