Search begins for missing Phuket toddler

PHUKET: Police have launched a search for a missing three-year-old boy last seen near the family home in a construction camp in Rawai late Thursday afternoon.

Kongpob Chuerket, nicknamed “Nong Gorya”, was wearing a blue singlet emblazoned with an Angry Birds motif and light blue shorts when he disappeared, said Lt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Chalong Police told the Phuket Gazette today.

“Nong Gorya is about 110cm tall and weighs 14kg. He was last seen playing with other children at the camp at about 5:30pm,” he said.

“A neighbor said he saw Nong Gorya cross the road near the camp while his parents were busy selling items at their store in the camp. He hasn’t been seen since.”

Anyone who believes they have seen Nong Gorya is urged to call 080-775 2673.

“Nong Gorya has a small scar above his right eye, which might help to identify him,” Lt Kraisorn said.

The disappearance of Nong Gorya follows that of Natthapa “Nong Dear” Papkaew, a seven-year-old girl who failed to come home on December 6.

Forensic tests confirmed last month that human remains found in a forest near Soi Palai in Chalong were those of Nong Dear (story here).

— Saran Mitrarat