A 13-year-old girl in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, has been rescued after she was allegedly scalded with boiling water by her Myanmar national mother and left without medical treatment for several days.
The child abuse case was uncovered on July 23 after a village head informed rescuers from the Pitakkarn Foundation about the incident at a house in Thong Pha Phum district.
Rescuers later brought the girl to Thong Pha Phum Hospital, where she is receiving treatment for serious burns reportedly covering a large area of her body.
According to authorities, the alleged assault took place on July 17. However, the girl’s 31-year-old mother allegedly kept her inside the house for two days without seeking medical help despite the severity of her injuries.
A neighbour told rescuers that the girl had allegedly suffered previous abuse and provided videos showing earlier incidents involving the child.
The mother initially denied intentionally harming her daughter, claiming the girl accidentally spilled hot water on herself. The victim was also reportedly hesitant to speak about the incident due to fear of further abuse.
Local media later reported that the mother admitted to pouring boiling water on the girl after becoming angry over the child eating two pieces of meat without permission. The claim has not been independently confirmed by authorities.
Reports also stated that the mother allegedly tied the girl’s hands and legs before securing her to a pillar and pouring hot water over her.
The girl’s stepfather reportedly defended the mother, claiming the child had behavioural issues and had previously been accused of stealing from a neighbour.
Police have detained the mother at Thong Pha Phum Police Station for further investigation. She reportedly admitted acting out of anger and promised not to repeat the violence.
Authorities initially charged the woman with immigration-related offences for allegedly entering and residing in Thailand illegally. Police are continuing investigations before deciding on further charges related to the alleged abuse.
The Pitakkarn Foundation said the girl suffered burns from her neck to her back and remains hospitalised, requiring surgery and continuous wound care. She is now under the protection of the Kanchanaburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office.
