Thai Girl in Critical Condition After 1,000 Baht Drinking Challenge
A 13-year-old Thai girl remains in critical condition after consuming a large amount of alcohol in exchange for 1,000 baht at a temple ordination ceremony in Nakhon Ratchasima, Isaan province.
Details of the Drinking Challenge
During an ordination ceremony at a temple in Nakhon Ratchasima, a 13-year-old girl, known as A, and her friend were challenged by a Thai man to drink half a bottle of alcohol for 1,000 baht.
A accepted the challenge but lost consciousness immediately after consuming the alcohol.
Medical Implications of the Drinking Challenge
The immediate loss of consciousness experienced by A was due to acute alcohol poisoning, a condition where excessive alcohol intake overwhelms the body’s ability to metabolise it. This can depress critical functions such as breathing, heart rate, and body temperature regulation.
The severity of her condition necessitated her transfer to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, where she remains in intensive care.
Grandmother Files Police Report
A’s grandmother, 72-year-old Aui, filed a police report against the Thai man involved in the drinking challenge. She reported the incident to Nong Boon Mak Police Station on June 10, after which an investigation was launched. The family provided a video of the incident, showing A and her friend consuming alcohol while a group of Thai men cheered them on.
Evidence Submitted to Police
A’s relative provided a video of the incident to the police as evidence. The footage showed A and her 13-year-old friend drinking alcohol from bottles while a group of Thai men encouraged them. This evidence is crucial in identifying the individuals involved and determining their level of culpability.
Socioeconomic Background
Aui explained that A often attended ordination ceremonies to collect money scattered by monks. The family, consisting of 13 members, including children, elderly, and disabled individuals, relies heavily on this additional income. It is said that A participated in the drinking challenge to help support her family’s financial needs.
Police Investigation and Charges
The police have identified the main instigator and are in the process of tracking down all individuals involved. Those found guilty will face charges under Thailand’s Child Protection Act. Initial charges could include imprisonment for up to three months, a 30,000 baht fine, or both. If A’s condition worsens, the penalties could increase significantly.
Community and Media Response
Aui and other family members are urging the authorities to hold those responsible accountable. The police have assured the community that all individuals involved will be summoned for questioning. The charges and penalties will be determined based on the severity of A’s condition and the involvement of each individual.
Potential Legal Penalties
The suspects face multiple charges under the Child Protection Act, including:
- Section 26(5): Forcing, threatening, inducing, encouraging, or allowing children to behave inappropriately or perform obscene acts.
- Section 26(6): Hiring or inviting children to work or perform actions harmful to their body or mind.
- Section 26(10): Selling, trading, or giving alcohol or cigarettes to children.
Penalties include up to three months in prison, fines up to 30,000 baht, or both. However, if A’s condition deteriorates further, the penalties could escalate to up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 60,000 baht.
Ultimately, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in precarious social situations. Therefore, it highlights the importance of community vigilance and the enforcement of protective legislation to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Image credit via iNN News
References
Petpailin, P. (2024, June 11). Thai girl in critical condition after 1,000 baht drinking challenge. Thaiger. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-girl-in-critical-condition-after-1000-baht-drinking-challenge
