PHUKET, Thailand – Phuket Juvenile and Family Court has ordered a 12-year-old Myanmar girl to be held for 30 days during an investigation into an alleged assault on a Thai student at a school in Thalang district. The case involves a 12-year-old Myanmar girl, aged 12 years and eight months, who was accused of assaulting a Thai student at Cherng Talay Wittayakom School. Following the incident, the injured student’s parents filed a complaint against the girl. Investigators from Cherng Talay Police Station subsequently notified her of the assault charge on August 10 in the presence of a Phuket provincial prosecutor, a psychologist and a person requested by the child, in accordance with procedures for cases involving juveniles.
On August 11, investigators brought the girl before the Phuket Juvenile and Family Court within 24 hours of notifying her of the charge. The court hearing examined the girl’s age, the procedures used to notify her of the charge and whether authorities had followed the legal requirements governing the treatment of a child during the investigation.
Investigators presented their reasons for seeking detention, together with supporting evidence. They told the court that the girl’s behaviour could pose a serious risk to other people and cited other circumstances they considered relevant to the case. One factor presented to the court was that the girl’s parents had reportedly lost their jobs. After considering the information presented, the Phuket Juvenile and Family Court ordered the girl to be placed in the custody of the Phuket Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre for 30 days while the investigation continues.
If investigators are unable to complete the investigation within that period, they may ask the court for further detention orders under the relevant juvenile justice procedures. Each extension can be for no more than 15 days, with up to two extensions permitted under the stated procedure. The case will continue through the juvenile justice process, with authorities gathering evidence and completing the investigation before prosecutors and the court determine the next legal steps.
Once the case reaches a final conclusion, immigration authorities will be asked to consider the girl’s status and take any action required under Thai immigration law. Authorities have stressed that the proceedings involving the child must follow the protections and procedures provided under Thailand’s juvenile justice system.
