Former District Chief's Son Accused of Harming 4-Year-Old at Learning Center

A 24-year-old man, whose father is a former district chief, faces allegations of physically harming a 4-year-old girl at TK Park learning center in Phayao province. The incident occurred on July 27 when the girl cried loudly after losing a game, and closed-circuit camera footage was later shared on social media, sparking widespread public criticism.

After the incident, the suspect's family approached the victim's family at Muang Phayao Police Station to discuss the matter and accept responsibility, but negotiations failed. The victim's parents refused any assistance or compensation and insisted that police proceed with legal action only. During a mediated meeting at the learning center, the suspect's parents attended but the victim's family was absent as they were at Phayao Hospital for the child's medical examination.

According to the suspect's father, his son is a special-needs individual with severe sensitivity to three types of sounds: dogs barking, roosters crowing, and children crying. The family typically manages this by having him wear headphones and play music from his phone to minimize environmental noise impacts.

On the day of the incident, the young man heard the child crying and approached to tap or nudge her face to try to make her stop, hoping to reduce the noise triggering his condition. Because of his large stature, the closed-circuit footage was widely misinterpreted as him striking the child.

The suspect's father confirmed he visited the victim's family at the police station to express remorse and apologize, offering to accept full responsibility. However, the victim's parents rejected the offer, concerned about potential pressure given the suspect's family background as former government officials. The father stated his family respects the victims' decision and is prepared to let the legal process proceed.