Phuket tourist lad lost on Bangla quickly reunited with family

PHUKET: An Australian eight-year-old boy lost in the wilds of Soi Bangla early this morning was reunited with his anxious family within 30 minutes, thanks to the help of the Phuket Tourist Police.

It was about midnight when an Aussie family – mother, father and boy – tearfully informed tourist police volunteers that they had lost their fourth family member.

Malika Chergui, an Italian volunteer, received the news with two colleagues.

“We contacted Sen Sgt Maj Wichai Boonrue, the leader of the street patrol last night, and asked for help looking for the little boy,” Ms Malika said.

About 30 minutes later, he was found standing near Bangla Mall.

“The parents and the boy cried when they saw each other. They thanked us a lot,” said Ms Malika.

“It was such a happy moment, for them and for us. It was the kind of moment that really makes the job worthwhile.”

— Chutharat Plerin