The alarm was raised by a neighbour who called an ambulance to the girl’s home, a street next to Surakul Stadium.
The child now remains in hospital care.
The neighbour told reporters that the child was beaten often, every time she cried, urinated or otherwise upset her parents.
The neighbours could hear the attacks, and had previously warned the father to stop, but the most recent incident was too much for them to bear.
This afternoon (Oct 14) officers from Wichit Police Station questioned and conducted drug tests on the mother and father of a child. The tests confirmed that both parents had used drugs.
Wichit Police Chief Pol Col Chatree Chueakaew told reporters that the parents will initially face charges for drug use. The police have also contacted the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office to file a complaint.
After that, police will proceed with charges related to child abuse. However, they are waiting for the results of the medical report confirming the child’s injuries before pressing further charges, Col Chatree said.
While the parents are being held for drug-related offences, their youngest child will be cared for by the grandmother, and the older child will also be placed in her care.
Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, who was involved in the response to the incident by officials, noted, “Our society is facing serious family issues, worsened by economic hardships, which sometimes lead to parents taking out their frustrations on their children
“Phuket is dealing with several similar cases, such as one in Rawai that remains unresolved. Now, in Wichit, another case of child abuse has emerged,” he added.
Mr Chalermpong emphasised the need to focus on family problems, as children are the future strength of the nation.
“The authorities are collaborating with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, children’s shelters and psychologists to provide care and support for the child, as this is a sensitive and delicate situation, given the child’s age. The Ministry will also visit the area to assess the situation.
He further stressed that drug abuse is a serious national issue, affecting families and putting children at risk.
“Urgent action is being taken to combat drug use. Anyone with information should report it, All reports will be kept confidential and shared only with relevant agencies, including the ONCB (Office of the Narcotics Control Board) and the Phuket Provincial Police Commander,” Mr Cherlmpong noted.