Tracing and breaking in to rescue a 12-year-old girl who mysteriously disappeared from home for 4 days after falling for a stranger's deception in an online game chat, ending a 96-hour pursuit and search.
At 01:30 on 29 Jan 2026, Pol. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradej Thammasuthir, Deputy Commissioner, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chotiwat Lueangwilai, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, Pol. Maj. Gen. Witawat Chinkham, Commander of Police Region 5, Pol. Col. Phopthorn Jitmun, Deputy Commander Region 5, Pol. Col. Worapot Rungkrachang, Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, Pol. Col. Wathee Rojanphaitoon, Superintendent of Wat Prayakrai Police Station, Pol. Col. Atchawasit Sribunyamanon, Commander of Investigation Division 3, Crime Suppression Bureau, Pol. Lt. Col. Eksit Worakittithakorn, Deputy Commander Investigation Division 1, Crime Suppression Bureau, Pol. Lt. Col. Wasathon Wakiertana, Deputy Commander Investigation Division, Wat Prayakrai Police Station, Pol. Lt. Col. Jakpong Pitakkornsakul, Investigation Officer, Wat Prayakrai Police Station, Pol. Lt. Thanypeerasit Chunpipop, Investigation Officer, Crime Suppression Division 3, Crime Suppression Bureau, Pol. Lt. Col. Siwat Yangun, Investigator, Wat Prayakrai Police Station, Pol. Lt. Col. Woraphat Sangthianprapai, Investigation Officer, Crime Suppression Division 2, Region 2 Police, Pol. Lt. Col. Phonwat Nakthomya, Investigator, Bang Yikhan Police Station, arrived with police forces from the Narcotics Control Center and Crime Suppression Bureau, and Wat Prayakrai Police Station to investigate and arrest Naraphat, 26, alias "Keng."
Naraphat was charged with unlawfully abducting a child under 15 years old away from their parents or guardians for immoral purposes. Charges related to sexual assault or other offenses are pending further evidence from ongoing investigations. He was arrested at a residence in Bang Mod subdistrict, Thung Khru district, Bangkok.
The circumstances began when a 12-year-old girl, a grade 5 student, mysteriously went missing on the evening of 24 Jan 2026. Concerned for her safety, her mother and family reported her disappearance promptly at Wat Prayakrai Police Station — not waiting 24 hours. Pol. Col. Wathee Rojanphaitoon, Superintendent, and Pol. Lt. Col. Siwat Yangun, Investigator, noted irregularities during their inquiry, discovering that the chat history between the girl and her family suddenly ended abruptly.
After receiving the report, investigators immediately deployed to the area and found clues indicating "two men took the girl away." However, the abduction case was complex and shrouded in mystery. Officers continued canvassing the vicinity around the girl’s home and school, turning the case into widespread local news. Despite thorough searches, no leads were found.
By the third day, online media began issuing alerts to locate the missing 12-year-old girl, still without any trace. Pol. Col. Wathee urgently reported to Pol. Gen. Siam Boonsom, who recognized the unusual nature of the case and ordered Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradej Thammasuthir to deploy detectives including Pol. Lt. Thanypeerasit Chunpipop to assist Wat Prayakrai Police Station immediately.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradej instructed officers to canvass widely, distributing the girl’s photos across Bangkok, yet no clues emerged. The investigative team repeatedly reviewed CCTV footage near the girl’s home, eventually discovering a lead "traced from footwear"—shoes matching those of a mysterious man who recently sent a friend request to the girl. This slight connection became the crucial piece detectives followed, leading to key evidence found over 15 kilometers from her home.
The girl was seen on a motorcycle with three riders, sitting in the middle flanked by two unknown men, before vanishing without a trace. After 4 days, the investigation team tracked the case to Thung Khru district around 01:30 on 29 Jan 2026. There, officers spotted the last missing piece—a pair of shoes worn by a man who briefly passed by then entered a condominium.
Officers raided the 11th-floor apartment to find the girl in a weakened state, curled under a blanket, with Naraphat present in the room. A search uncovered the victim’s phone, turned off and hidden in the suspect’s bag. All evidence indicated the girl’s 4-day ordeal had ended. Naraphat was immediately detained and both the girl and suspect taken to Wat Prayakrai Police Station. The girl was reunited with her mother, and the suspect was charged and further investigation continues.
Naraphat confessed to all charges, claiming he did not know the girl’s age and insisted he did not commit any acts against her. He explained the blood found on the bed came from a wound on his own leg. He said he met the girl through playing games together and only brought her to his room to play. He said the girl’s phone was turned off because the battery had died.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradej Thammasuthir, Deputy Commissioner, stated that initial questioning revealed the perpetrator underestimated the girl’s innocence, exploiting their online relationship to lure her out, then used psychological control to manipulate her. Further detailed investigation and possible additional charges are underway.
He also warned all youth that the online world is not always safe. Strangers met through games or social media may not be true friends. Affection from an unknown man cannot compare to parental love. Parents and guardians are urged to closely monitor their children’s social media activity to prevent criminals from using games to steal their hearts.
If any suspicious incidents occur, report immediately to hotline 191 or the Metropolitan Police Bureau Facebook page. Authorities will act promptly to assist citizens, following policies set by Police Chief Kittirat Phanpetch and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Siam Boonsom.