The fact-finding committee reported that the assistant village headman’s drunk driving caused the death of 2-year-old Nong Termfun and injured her mother. The victim’s family demands 10 million baht compensation, refuses negotiation, and bans visitors. The father revealed a butterfly has been watching over the mother, believed to be their child’s spirit.
On 15 Jun 2026 GMT+7, reporters learned that Mr. Thanarat Saitep, District Chief of Mueang Lampang, Lampang Province, signed an order to propose to the provincial governor to remove Mr. Det, the assistant village headman, from his position. Mr. Det was drunk driving and caused the death of 2-year-old Nong Termfun. This act was considered a serious disciplinary violation. As a local administrative officer, he was expected to set a good example for society but instead drove negligently with alcohol levels exceeding legal limits, causing injuries, death, and property damage. The district chief therefore recommended to the governor to dismiss him from office.
Recently, the fact-finding committee appointed by the district completed its investigation and reported its findings to the Mueang Lampang District Chief. The district concluded that Mr. Det, the assistant village headman, is an official in the administrative sector “who must strictly adhere to laws and regulations and serve as a good example to society. However, he behaved recklessly by driving under the influence of alcohol above the legal limit, resulting in injuries and death.” Therefore, he is considered to have committed a serious misconduct and is unsuitable for his position. The district issued an urgent official letter No. Lp 0118.1 / 2084 dated 15 June 2026, reporting the investigation results with the opinion “to propose to the governor of Lampang Province to exercise authority to remove the assistant village headman from his position under Section 18 in conjunction with Section 14 (7) of the Local Administration Act B.E. 2457.”
At Lampang Hospital, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wichian Jaisanklang, an investigator from Mueang Lampang Police Station, along with officials, questioned Mrs. May, the mother of Nong Termfun, who suffered severe injuries including two broken leg bones. She is currently receiving treatment at Lampang Hospital, with surgery postponed until the following day. Nong Termfun’s body, the 2-year-old son who died, is kept at Sri Koet Temple awaiting cremation after the mother is discharged.
During additional questioning, Nong Termfun’s mother demanded 10 million baht in compensation. The owner of a white sedan, another victim hit by the pickup truck, demanded 500,000 baht. Mrs. May said the compensation claims cannot compare to the loss of her son, whom she and her husband had long awaited. She said their mental and physical states will never be normal again. She told the opposing party not to attempt any negotiation, insisting the matter be resolved only in court, as too much time has passed. If they had taken responsibility earlier, she might have accepted it, but now it is too late.
Recently, Nong Termfun’s mother requested the hospital to lock the entrance to the special room where she is being treated, placing a key to prevent direct access. A notice prohibiting visits was posted, allowing only close relatives to enter.
The heartbreaking detail is that the father, Mr. Duke, pointed out a butterfly that has been flying around the room since Mrs. May was admitted. He said it followed her from the temple and believes it is Nong Termfun’s spirit watching over her. At night, the butterfly perches on the headboard, and during the day it stays inside the room without leaving.
Preliminary charges against the driver include drunk driving causing death, serious injury to others, and property damage.