BANGKOK: Nearly 300 children – the highest figure in five years – were reported missing in Thailand last year, raising concerns about child safety in the country.
A total of 296 children, comprising 182 girls and 114 boys, were reported missing last year, representing an increase of 17 per cent compared to previous year, according to Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Mirror Foundation.
The foundation said of the total, the highest number involved children who run away from home (172), followed by children with intellectual disabilities (56) and children of parents in custody disputes (40).
"The highest number of reported missing children – 140 in total – falls within the age group of 11 to 15-years-old. This was followed by 94 children aged between 16 and 18-years-old and 62 children aged 10 and under.
"Eighty per cent of the missing children were located, and the remaining 20 per cent are currently being traced," it said.
The Mirror Foundation assists families of missing people by providing advice and helping them search and track for their safe return. — Bernama