Skull fragment found in Phuket believed to be of missing 7-year-old

PHUKET: Fragments of a human skull have been found in Chalong along with clothing and slippers that match those of missing 7-year-old Natthapa “Nong Dear” Papkaew (story here).

The relatives of the missing girl uncovered fragments of bone while searching the forested area near Palai Beach yesterday.

Chalong Police were notified of the discovery at about 3pm.

“While our forensic team was there collecting the skull fragments and hair, villagers found an item of child’s clothing and a pair of slippers in a nearby area,” Capt Thada Sodarak of the Chalong Police told the Phuket Gazette.

The mother and relatives of Nong Dear, who had visited a spirit medium and started their own search party in their desperate hunt for the 6-year-old (story here), were called in to examine the evidence.

“They believe the shorts and slippers found not far from the human remains were the same as those worn by Nong Dear the day she went missing,” Capt Thada said.

Police are waiting for the results of a DNA test to confirm whether or not the remains found are those of Nong Dear.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong