Police say leads exhausted in death of 7-year-old Nong Dear

PHUKET: The investigation into the death of a seven-year-old girl whose body was found dismembered in a Chalong forest late last year has reached a standstill.

Nong Dear disappeared on her way home from a relative’s house on December 6 (story here) and her remains were found in a nearby wood on December 19 (story here).

“This is a very tough case,” said Capt Thada Sodarak of Chalong Police.

“We have no suspects, there is no CCTV evidence and interviews with 30 people have not yielded any good leads,” he said. “It’s very disappointing.”

The spotlight initially fell on a family friend who was last seen with the girl. After Nong Dear’s remains were found, the man, known only as Khun Boy, failed to respond to two summonses from the police and could not be reached by Nong Dear’s family.

He subsequently re-appeared and was questioned by police, and is not considered a suspect.

“We were not able to get any leads from the autopsy either,” said Capt Thada.

“Because of the condition of the remains, the medical examiner could not determine the cause of death.”

The case will remain open for a year; if no progress is made during that time, it will be closed, but can be re-opened if a new lead presents itself, Capt Thada explained.

Since Nong Dear was first reported missing to police on December 6, the case will remain open until December 6 this year. However, no leads are being pursued at this time, he added.

— Saran Mitrarat