On Wednesday, the Thai Chinese Society reported that the atmosphere was filled with grief and constant tears. The 7-year-old 'Little Grape' was cremated, with over 500 people coming to mourn. Her father, hugging her portrait, was heartbroken, tearfully bidding farewell to his daughter: "May you be my daughter again in the next life."
Previously reported: 7-year-old 'Little Grape' was found dead beneath a bamboo grove in a rubber plantation in Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. Her 13-year-old elder sister admitted to killing her, and their 17-year-old uncle helped to hide the body.
On June 10th, the funeral was held at Wat Lijet in Sangkhlaburi District. Police Lieutenant General Jakrapek Phetploynin, Commander-in-Chief of the Border Patrol Police Region 1, presided over the ceremony. More than 500 people mourned at the scene.
Before the cremation, Police Lieutenant General Jakrapek presented condolence money bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn, as well as financial aid from Police Commissioner Kittirat Phanphet.
At 2 p.m., relatives moved the body, circling the crematorium three times before placing it on the cremation platform. No monk ceremony was held. The father tearfully said goodbye: "Farewell, my daughter, may you be my daughter again in the next life."
Wiwat Thanapanyawarakun, head of One Sky Foundation, said that based on more than ten years of field experience, almost all cases of child abuse or violence begin with the negligence of guardians.
Society often believes that children have problems, but a child’s behavior only reflects issues with parents or guardians, especially in their methods of upbringing.
The Foundation has found that common problems among guardians include corporal punishment, verbal abuse, neglect of safety, and indulgence or spoiling of the child.
Wiwat emphasized that economic status is not the main cause of child abuse; it can happen in families of any income level. The key lies in parents’ attitudes, perceptions, and parenting methods. Economic conditions only affect education, health, and living resources.
Regarding the 'Little Grape' case, she regularly used social media and experienced violence. Wiwat believes that social media was only a trigger; the main reason was the child being alone for long periods and lacking supervision.
Many parents give their children mobile phones to keep them quiet, but letting children surf the internet alone may increase risks. Therefore, the sustainable solution to child-related problems requires close attention to parental behavior, attitude, and responsibility, in order to create a safe family environment.