Mother Shocked After Stepmother Abuses Her Children At Market
A mother recovered her three daughters after a market vendor filmed their stepmother abusing them at a Chon Buri food market, prompting their father to end the relationship and agree to custody transfer.
At 2 p.m. on July 1st, Chalida Phralammat, known as "Ton Oor Pen Neung," along with Chon Buri officials, rescued three girls—May (13), Noi (9), and Ney (7)—at a room in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Their mother, Lhiu (pseudonym, 42), had received a video from a market vendor showing the girls being hit, head-butted into a table, and abused by their stepmother, Ms. Earn (26), in front of many people at the Thepphrasit street food market.
Lhiu explained that she and the girls' father, Panya (nicknamed Odd), had lived together for over 15 years and had three daughters before separating six years ago. The father refused to let her raise the children, and the girls chose to stay with him. Lhiu had maintained contact and repeatedly asked to take the girls, but they declined, citing the need to start over with new schools and friends, and their stronger bond with their father.
Panya arrived at the room and attempted to explain the situation. He confirmed he was present during the abuse and immediately scolded the stepmother, but she fled and packed her belongings. He tried to convince her to return, even threatening legal action, but she only apologized. Panya acknowledged the stepmother's actions stemmed from her displeasure that the girls had texted their biological mother, saying "Dad misses Mom, we miss Mom, Dad is looking for Mom." He declared he would end the relationship and allow the biological mother to pursue legal remedies.
Kik (pseudonym, 43), a market vendor who witnessed the abuse, stated she saw Ms. Earn striking the children while the father stood by without intervening. She was appalled and took the girls into her care overnight. The children had confided that they felt suppressed, disliked the stepmother due to constant scolding and beatings, and were afraid to tell their father for fear of upsetting him.
The Foundation for One has coordinated with Chon Buri officials to investigate and assist. The biological mother confirmed she will take custody of all three daughters.
