Autopsy Results Released: 7-Year-Old Boy Found Dead in Water, Police Question Mother Again as She Maintains Son Drowned Accidentally

The autopsy results have been released in the case of 7-year-old Nattiwat, who was found dead in a pond near Baan Duang district in Udon Thani province after going missing for several days. The medical examiner concluded the boy "likely died from drowning," though the report detailed ten additional findings including torn lacerations around both eyes, the right ear, neck, and lips, along with bruising on the face and withered, pale hands.

Deputy Superintendent Nattapong Songsom of Baan Duang Police Station has called Nattiwat's mother, Khamnuai, back for additional questioning as investigators consider whether the death was an accident or homicide. The mother maintains her conviction that her son drowned and repeatedly defended her new husband, saying that despite their marriage being less than a year old, he is devoted and loving toward her son, earning money diligently for the family and caring for Nattiwat even more than his biological father would.

Police have conducted a follow-up investigation at the site, with the mother present. She became emotional, kneeling by the pond's edge to pay respects to her son. Regarding suspicions about the orderly placement of shoes at the scene, the mother explained that her son typically arranged his shoes neatly but sometimes threw them carelessly, and frequently wore them on the wrong feet depending on his mood. Rescue personnel measured the pond depth, finding it ranged from approximately 170 centimeters at its deepest points to shallower areas with muddy bottoms. The mother theorized her son may have slipped while trying to catch fish in the deeper section. Police, however, have not ruled out the possibility of foul play and continue their investigation to determine the true cause of death.