Thailand — The Court of Appeal in Mukdahan Province has handed down a new verdict in one of Thailand’s most closely followed criminal cases, increasing the sentence of Chaiphol “Uncle Phol” Wipha to 26 years in prison for the death of his three-year-old niece, Orawan “Nong Chompoo” Wongsricha.
The decision, delivered on August 13, 2025, overturned an earlier ruling of manslaughter and raised the punishment from 20 years. The court found Chaiphol guilty of premeditated murder, child abduction, and concealing a body — a major legal and public shift in a case that has gripped Thailand for over five years.
The Disappearance and Discovery
The tragic story began on May 11, 2020, when Nong Chompoo vanished from her home in Kok Kork village, Dong Luang district, after breakfast. Her parents, Anamai and Sawittree Wongsricha, had left to run errands, leaving her under the watch of her siblings.
Three days later, her unclothed body was found on Phu Pha Yon mountain, about two kilometers from her home. The discovery devastated the local community and quickly drew national attention.
Media coverage from outlets like Thai Rath and Amarin transformed the small village into a focal point of national intrigue. Early in the investigation, Chaiphol, the uncle of Nong Chompoo’s mother, presented himself as a grieving relative. His emotional public appearances drew public sympathy and substantial donations, enabling him to build a new home and launch a YouTube channel, “Lung Phol-Pa Taen Family,” which amassed more than 350,000 subscribers.
From Public Sympathy to Suspicion
Over time, discrepancies in Chaiphol’s statements and witness accounts shifted the public’s perception. Evidence began to surface — notably 16 strands of the victim’s hair found in his truck and sightings of him near the mountain — leading to growing suspicion.
In December 2023, the Mukdahan Provincial Court convicted Chaiphol of causing death by recklessness and child abduction, sentencing him to 20 years in prison. He was cleared of murder, and his wife, Somporn Lappho, was acquitted.
Appeal Court’s Ruling
The Appeal Court, however, determined that Chaiphol had intentionally abandoned Nong Chompoo on the mountain, knowing she had no chance of survival. This finding elevated the crime to premeditated murder. The court also overturned Somporn’s acquittal, indicating she may still face legal consequences.
The harsher sentence underscores the judiciary’s view of the crime’s severity and reflects public demands for justice.
National Attention and Media Influence
The Nong Chompoo case dominated Thai news cycles for years, generating more attention than many television dramas. Initially, public sentiment leaned toward Chaiphol, fueled by sympathetic coverage. However, as investigative reporting uncovered more evidence, opinion shifted sharply.
The case sparked nationwide debates over the role of media in high-profile criminal investigations. Critics argued that sensational coverage risked influencing public opinion and even judicial proceedings. Supporters countered that persistent media attention kept pressure on authorities to pursue justice.
A Broader Problem of Child Safety
Beyond the courtroom drama, Nong Chompoo’s death became a symbol of the vulnerability of children in rural Thailand. According to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security’s 2024 report, more than 15,000 cases of child abuse and violence against women are officially recorded each year. Rural regions, like Mukdahan, face unique challenges due to limited law enforcement resources and social services.
Other recent crimes have heightened public concern, including the 2022 murder of a 14-year-old girl in Chiang Rai and a 2023 sexual assault case in Udon Thani. These incidents highlight systemic issues — from insufficient protective measures to cultural norms that sometimes shield perpetrators.
Government and Policy Response
In response to growing alarm, Thai authorities have introduced new measures to protect vulnerable populations. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security launched the “Safe Childhood” program, training community leaders to identify and report abuse. Police have established dedicated units for cases involving women and children, aiming to expedite investigations.
The 2024 amendment to the Child Protection Act introduced harsher penalties for crimes against minors, including potential life sentences in severe cases. The Ministry of Education has also integrated child safety lessons into school curricula, teaching children how to recognize and respond to danger.
However, critics argue these initiatives often fail to reach remote areas, where resources are scarce and oversight is minimal.
Political and Public Reaction
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the case directly, calling for stronger community-based safety networks. “Justice for Nong Chompoo is a step, but prevention is our goal,” she said. The government is working with NGOs to expand safe houses and strengthen victim support lines, including the nationwide 1300 hotline.
Public reaction to the Appeal Court’s decision has been largely positive, with many viewing the increased sentence as a victory for justice. Still, Chaiphol’s legal team has announced plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, meaning the case is not yet closed.
Continuing Legacy
For Nong Chompoo’s family, the new ruling offers a measure of closure, though the pain of their loss remains. The case stands as a reminder of the urgent need for effective child protection in Thailand and has prompted calls for deeper cultural and legal reforms.
While the legal battle may continue, the image of Nong Chompoo — a bright, smiling three-year-old whose life was cut short — has become an enduring symbol in the fight to safeguard children.
Her death has left Thailand confronting uncomfortable truths about the balance between media attention, public opinion, and justice, and about how to protect its most vulnerable citizens from harm.
