Grandmother and great-grandmother wept and vowed to pursue full justice after learning the cause of their 2-year-old grandson's death at a child care home in Loei Province. CCTV footage captured a 13-year-old boy throwing the toddler onto the floor. An autopsy revealed brain hemorrhage.
On 29 May 2026, police at Mueang Loei Station in Loei Province received a report from the Loei Child and Family Home that a 2-year-old boy was found dead in the home for unknown reasons. Upon notification, doctors were contacted to investigate. The boy was identified as Wisarut Mala, nicknamed "Nong Mangkon," aged 2, found dead with frothing at the mouth in the infirmary room. The doctor found no external wounds or signs of abuse and sent the body for an initial autopsy at Loei Hospital, followed by referral to Srinagarind Hospital to determine the cause of death. The autopsy results showed brain hemorrhage and lung bruising.
On 31 May 2026, Ms. Wasana Mala, the grandmother, and Ms. Pranee Hansongkram, the great-grandmother, came to collect their grandson’s body from Srinagarind Hospital to perform religious rites at home. The cremation ceremony took place on 2 June at Sri Phanommas Temple in Chiang Khan Subdistrict, Chiang Khan District, Loei Province.
In the latest development on 5 June 2026, Ms. Wasana and Ms. Pranee met with Police Lieutenant Thatsawat Charo, Deputy Investigation Officer at Mueang Loei Police Station, to hear the cause of death. It was revealed that the 13-year-old boy had carried Nong Mangkon and threw him to the floor. Upon learning this, the women wept, refusing to believe that the child care home staff had neglected their duties by allowing a 13-year-old boy to care for a younger child.
CCTV footage showed that at 16:12 on 28 May in the children’s bedroom, where no staff were present, Nong Mangkon was lying inside a mosquito net. An 11-month-old boy crawled inside the net to play. Shortly after, a 13-year-old boy, who had been admitted to the home, entered, picked up the 11-month-old boy and took him out of the net. Then he picked up Nong Mangkon and threw him onto the floor before walking away. The footage showed no child care home staff present during these events.
Legal proceedings will be initiated against the 13-year-old boy on charges of negligence causing death. Investigators are gathering evidence and will summon the staff on duty to question them about possible negligence and why a 13-year-old was left to care for younger children. Charges are expected to be filed next week.
Ms. Wasana, the boy’s grandmother, said police called her to explain the cause of her grandson’s death, which caused her great sorrow and pain. After reviewing the footage, she saw that the 13-year-old boy was the one who threw Nong Mangkon to the floor. She said she would never treat her grandchild that way and vowed to hold the staff fully accountable for neglecting their duties by leaving the children to care for each other. She questioned where the staff had been and urged the police to prosecute the staff to the fullest extent. She also called on child care staff to have professional training in child care; if not, the child care center should be closed to prevent further deaths. Meanwhile, Ms. Pranee, the great-grandmother, remained in shock and unable to come to terms with the loss.
When contacted, Mr. Chaiphot Jarunpong, Governor of Loei Province, stated he had received reports about the child’s death due to brain hemorrhage. Investigators are collecting evidence and proceeding with legal action against the responsible staff. The family has received initial assistance and support. The governor attended the funeral to offer condolences and pledged full support to the family.