Schools react to alleged Phuket kidnapping

PHUKET: At least two Phuket schools have boosted security following an alleged kidnapping attempt at Plookpanya School Phuket.

The scare started after a mother from the school posted a message on her Facebook page alleging that a man exited a van, approached her 14-year-old son and attempted to cover his nose and mouth with a cloth. She explained that her son quickly figured out what was happening and managed to run away and shout for help.

“The student was unable to provide any details about the man or the vehicle,” Plookpanya School Director Winai Suriyaprakarn said. “We did check CCTV footage, but did not see any suspicious people. At this point, we are unable to prove or disprove the student’s account.”

Mr Winai asked the Phuket Gazette to withhold the names of the student and mother for their security and privacy.

“Nonetheless, we have boosted security at the school and are asking that parents pick up their children on time,” said Mr Winai. “Also, I ask that any parent who faces such an issue should immediately come directly to us, rather than posting something on Facebook that could possibly cause people to panic.”

The director of Phuket Kindergarten School also assured parents that security measures would be boosted in response to the allegations.

“Though we don’t know whether or not the student’s account is true, this is not something we can ignore,” said Phuket Kindergarten Director Paisarn Nakwan. “We are doing our best to coordinate efforts with parents in order to ensure that students are picked up on time.”

— Kongleaphy Keam