The Social Development Department took custody of a 3-year-old boy who clung to the back of an ice truck for over 10 kilometers. After assessing their living conditions, it was found that the mother had no stable job or income, and she was sent for thyroid treatment.
On 18 Aug 2026 at 14:30 GMT+7, at the Chiang Khrua Subdistrict Municipality meeting room in Mueang Sakon Nakhon District, officials from various agencies held a meeting to discuss aid measures. The case involved a 3-year-old boy who secretly clung to the back of an ice truck traveling from Chiang Khrua Subdistrict to Sakon Nakhon city center, covering over 10 kilometers, before traffic police at the Mueang Sakon Nakhon Police Station noticed and safely rescued him.Read the story: Dramatic moment 2-year-old boy clings to ice delivery truck over 10 km.)
The meeting included Police Colonel Pongpat Chaengmuenwai, Deputy Commander of Sakon Nakhon Provincial Police, Mr. Prawech Chaihad, Mayor of Chiang Khrua Subdistrict Municipality, Mr. Kittinan Ngiuphrom, Chief District Officer of Mueang Sakon Nakhon, security officials, staff from the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and staff from Ban Chiang Khrua Health Promotion Hospital.
After the incident, officials traced the child to Ms. A (pseudonym), aged 32, the mother. The event raised concerns about the child's safety and sparked public criticism regarding child care.
Officials found that the mother suffers from thyroid disease and has no stable job or income, surviving by collecting water morning glory vegetables to sell. This prompted relevant agencies to assess their living conditions and the mother's capacity to care for the child.
The meeting considered assistance options and agreed the child should be temporarily placed under the care of the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office to ensure the child's safety and welfare.
Mr. Prawech Chaihad, Mayor of Chiang Khrua Subdistrict Municipality, revealed after the meeting that the Sakon Nakhon Social Development Office will temporarily take the child into care at the Sakon Nakhon Children's and Family Home. Meanwhile, the mother will enter a thyroid treatment program. The initial care period is set at three months, with possible extensions as needed, following relevant procedures.
When asked, Ms. A said that on the day of the incident, she went to collect water morning glory by Nong Han pond to sell for family income. She later discovered her son was missing and searched with local villagers. Subsequently, Chiang Khrua Municipality officials, after seeing the incident on social media, coordinated to track and safely return the child to the family.
The Chiang Khrua Subdistrict Municipality stated it has continuously supported the family, especially by constructing a home on land owned by Ms. A’s father with help from community volunteers, since the family previously had no permanent residence. They have also provided ongoing welfare assistance.
This case is not merely about a child clinging to an ice truck but highlights the family's vulnerabilities in health, income, and child care. Relevant agencies will provide assistance to ensure both mother and child receive appropriate care going forward.