The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security's 'Near You' team is partnering with local networks to rapidly assist a 12-year-old boy in Nakhon Sawan province who is severely disadvantaged after his father's death, his mother's separation, and the recent passing of his grandfather.
On 9 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Kantapong Rangsisawang, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, disclosed assistance efforts for a 12-year-old boy facing social hardship in Nakhon Sawan. Reports from the Ministry’s Rapid Response Center for Public Welfare, with the 'Near You' team in Nakhon Sawan, local authorities, community leaders, and social development volunteers, confirmed the boy’s situation during a home visit in Noen Sala Subdistrict, Krokgpra District. The boy’s father died, and his mother separated and relocated elsewhere without taking him. He initially lived with his grandfather, who died on 31 Jan 2026 GMT+7, leaving the boy alone. He then moved in with his 39-year-old uncle in a dilapidated, unsafe house. The uncle works as a woodcutter and the boy helps on days off, earning 150 baht daily. The uncle faces heavy debt and insufficient income. The boy attends Grade 5, is diligent and eager to learn, receiving a scholarship from the Equitable Education Fund, but has attention deficit disorder and learning delays, having previously been treated at Krokgpra Hospital.
Mr. Kantapong stated that the 'Near You' team in Nakhon Sawan, through the Rapid Response Center, expedited support under the Ministry’s child welfare mandate. They provided the uncle with counseling on age-appropriate child care and guardianship under the Child Protection Act B.E. 2546 (2003), considered welfare assistance for low-income and vulnerable individuals, and child protection fund support. Coordination was made with the Moral Seedling Institute in Phitsanulok, under the Department of Children and Youth, Ministry of Social Development, to assist the boy’s ongoing education, and with the school and Primary Education Service Area Office 1 for scholarship support.
Additionally, cooperation was established with the Community Organizations Development Institute (a public organization), Krokgpra District Office, Noen Sala Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and the provincial Red Cross to improve the boy’s living environment and ensure safe, stable housing. They also coordinated with Krokgpra Hospital to support age-appropriate medical care and with the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Administrative Organization and Noen Sala Subdistrict Administration to assist the uncle’s livelihood.
Furthermore, the Ministry will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, relevant agencies, and social development volunteers in the area to jointly plan additional support for the boy and to monitor ongoing assistance efforts continuously.
