Family of Sevenoaks schoolgirls missing in Thailand make plea for information

[webfact]

Family of Sevenoaks schoolgirls missing in Thailand make plea for information

MISSING: Aleena ( r) and Ananya (l) Day, aged 6 and 11, have been missing in Thailand since June 1

SEVENOAKS: -- THE grandparents of two sisters who went missing and are believed to have been abducted while they were in Thailand 72 days ago are pleading for Sevenoaks holidaymakers to keep their eyes peeled for the girls.

Aleena and Ananya Day, aged 6 and 11, arrived with their father in Pattaya on May 25 and spent several days visiting their 33-year-old mother, Onwarat Gamlem formerly known as both Wiganda Day and Onwarat Suphikunphong.

missing seven oaks girlsThe alarm was raised when Mrs Gamlem failed to take the two girls to the airport on June 1 so that they could fly home with their father and there has been no sign of them since.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Mrs Gamlem on suspicion of abducting her daughters.

Grandmother Betty Day, who lives with her husband, son and granddaughters in Chipstead, told the Chronicle: Its been nine weeks and we still havent heard anything.

My son, Robert, is still in Thailand searching for them.

He has made so many enquiries hes doing everything he can think of. Its really very hard.

His funds have run out so were helping to support him. He wont come home until hes got them back.

Both children were born in Thailand but have been raised in Sevenoaks since their parents divorced in 2010.

Mr Day was awarded full custody of his daughters and they visit their mother once a year.

In new steps to try to trace them, billboards displaying photographs of Ananya known as Annie and Aleena, as well as wanted posters for their mother, have been attached to vehicles now being driven around paraded across the resort of Pattaya with a loudspeaker.

Airlines serving Thai airports have also been alerted to prevent attempts to flee the country.

The police think that Onwarats new husbands visa will soon run out hes from Norway, Mrs Day said.

Nobody knows where he is either but there could be warrants for his arrest soon too when his visa runs out.

She added: Both girls missed the end of the school term. Annie is starting at Trinity School in September. Theyve assured us her place is secure. We can only hope that shell be back by then.

If anyone has family or friends there or theyre going on holiday to Thailand, please keep raising awareness.

We all want the girls back home.

In an online plea for information, the girls father said: They have missed so much birthdays, end of year outings, the end of primary school party and induction day at senior school.

Someone out there must know something that will help the police with their inquiries.

Everyone is working so hard to find them but to date there has been no breakthrough.

My girls are my world and I miss them both very much.

Sevenoaks Chronicle

-- Samui Times 2014-08-12

[Basil B]

I was hoping they would have been found by now.

Has this story been covered by the Thai language national press and TV?

[DrLom]

I was hoping they would have been found by now.

Has this story been covered by the Thai language national press and TV?

I doubt by now they are very much 'missing in Thailand'.

Edit: Also, they were not abducted; they were handed to mother by father for a visit. If she absconded with them, then that by definition is not abducting.

The article needs to get its facts right before pouring out, as yet, still unknowns.

Edited August 12, 2014 by DrLom

[Bluespunk]

If you abscond with children who are not in your parental custody surely that is abduction.

Edited August 12, 2014 by Rimmer
off topic nit picking

[Basil B]

If it is believed that the new husband has anything to do with this he could find himself barred from Thailand.

[Thai at Heart]

If it is believed that the new husband has anything to do with this he could find himself barred from Thailand.

There is every chance he has no clue what is going on.

[curtklay]

If it is believed that the new husband has anything to do with this he could find himself barred from Thailand.

Being barred from Thailand is not necessarily a bad thing.

[DrLom]

If it is believed that the new husband has anything to do with this he could find himself barred from Thailand.

Being barred from Thailand is not necessarily a bad thing.

See ya!

[DrLom]

If you abscond with children who are not in your parental custody surely that is abduction.

He shall have been awarded 'custody' for sure, but in Thailand parental responsibility is 50/50 and never intended to be devisive. If the children are in Thailand, then legally (and unfortunately, in this case), and in law, she has as much right to that parental responsibility. Thus, it is not abduction. As soon as he handed them into the 'parental care of mother', on a formal, even if ad hoc, basis, he handed parental responsibility for the time they are with her. If that time was not agreed on paper, in a contractual form, then the mother has done nothing wrong. (again, I re-iterate, unfortunately). Such issues are delicate matters where children are involved, and anybody should read this forum with severity at mind. Sort out the law, before you assume it works the way it does in your home country.

[Basil B]

If it is believed that the new husband has anything to do with this he could find himself barred from Thailand.

There is every chance he has no clue what is going on.

More to the point where his money is going...

Somebody is financing the escapade, her, her family, or the new husband.

[Zeegator]

If you abscond with children who are not in your parental custody surely that is abduction.

He shall have been awarded 'custody' for sure, but in Thailand parental responsibility is 50/50 and never intended to be devisive. If the children are in Thailand, then legally (and unfortunately, in this case), and in law, she has as much right to that parental responsibility. Thus, it is not abduction. As soon as he handed them into the 'parental care of mother', on a formal, even if ad hoc, basis, he handed parental responsibility for the time they are with her. If that time was not agreed on paper, in a contractual form, then the mother has done nothing wrong. (again, I re-iterate, unfortunately). Such issues are delicate matters where children are involved, and anybody should read this forum with severity at mind. Sort out the law, before you assume it works the way it does in your home country.

You clearly have no idea what the background of this case is. Do some research and refrain from posting uninformed nonsense.

[Zeegator]

I was hoping they would have been found by now.

Has this story been covered by the Thai language national press and TV?

I doubt by now they are very much 'missing in Thailand'.

Edit: Also, they were not abducted; they were handed to mother by father for a visit. If she absconded with them, then that by definition is not abducting.

The article needs to get its facts right before pouring out, as yet, still unknowns.

"The article needs to get its facts right before pouring out,..."

As do you.

[Bluespunk]

If you abscond with children who are not in your parental custody surely that is abduction.

He shall have been awarded 'custody' for sure, but in Thailand parental responsibility is 50/50 and never intended to be devisive. If the children are in Thailand, then legally (and unfortunately, in this case), and in law, she has as much right to that parental responsibility. Thus, it is not abduction. As soon as he handed them into the 'parental care of mother', on a formal, even if ad hoc, basis, he handed parental responsibility for the time they are with her. If that time was not agreed on paper, in a contractual form, then the mother has done nothing wrong. (again, I re-iterate, unfortunately). Such issues are delicate matters where children are involved, and anybody should read this forum with severity at mind. Sort out the law, before you assume it works the way it does in your home country.

The visit was at the farther's discretion {he has sole custody, I believe]. There was a time limit on the visit. The mother ignored this and abducted the children. That is how it works everywhere I would think, the fact the police are looking for her to return the children to their father would indicate the law is on his side.

Might not be me who wants to sort out their facts, eh.

Edited August 12, 2014 by Bluespunk

[douginbkk]

If you abscond with children who are not in your parental custody surely that is abduction.

He shall have been awarded 'custody' for sure, but in Thailand parental responsibility is 50/50 and never intended to be devisive. If the children are in Thailand, then legally (and unfortunately, in this case), and in law, she has as much right to that parental responsibility. Thus, it is not abduction. As soon as he handed them into the 'parental care of mother', on a formal, even if ad hoc, basis, he handed parental responsibility for the time they are with her. If that time was not agreed on paper, in a contractual form, then the mother has done nothing wrong. (again, I re-iterate, unfortunately). Such issues are delicate matters where children are involved, and anybody should read this forum with severity at mind. Sort out the law, before you assume it works the way it does in your home country.

You clearly have no idea what the background of this case is. Do some research and refrain from posting uninformed nonsense.

The above is not correct. Many years ago I took my then girlfriend to the Thai family court and was awarded sole custody of our daughter. I can tell you that she has no legal right to access my daughter unless I say so. Nor does she have 50/50 parental responsibility any longer unless of course something were to happen to me. This case is now most likely an abduction case pure and simple.

[djjamie]

I live in Thailand and have full custody of my first born. Because my ex and I were not married she automatically gained full custody of her and I am not even recognized as the father until we marry or go to court. We broke up and I went to court with a 2 tiered request. To be recognized as the father and to gain full custody which was granted.

If I hand my child to her mother and she is not returned then it is kidnapping. Obviously the police here think that to due to the arrests warrant out on her. I commend him for the dedication and commitment he has made in trying to get his kids back. I empathize with him as it would rip my heart out if I was in the same predicament.

I hope they are returned as soon as possible and the woman held to account. For a father to be granted full custody is apparently rare in Thailand so one can be assured there is a combination of her being an unfit mother and him being an exemplary father.

Good luck.

[ChrisY1]

If you abscond with children who are not in your parental custody surely that is abduction.

Of course it's abduction...anything said otherwise....is wrong.

[bkkgooner]

If you abscond with children who are not in your parental custody surely that is abduction.

He shall have been awarded 'custody' for sure, but in Thailand parental responsibility is 50/50 and never intended to be devisive. If the children are in Thailand, then legally (and unfortunately, in this case), and in law, she has as much right to that parental responsibility. Thus, it is not abduction. As soon as he handed them into the 'parental care of mother', on a formal, even if ad hoc, basis, he handed parental responsibility for the time they are with her. If that time was not agreed on paper, in a contractual form, then the mother has done nothing wrong. (again, I re-iterate, unfortunately). Such issues are delicate matters where children are involved, and anybody should read this forum with severity at mind. Sort out the law, before you assume it works the way it does in your home country.

Wrong wrong wrong

[Bluespunk]

If you abscond with children who are not in your parental custody surely that is abduction.

Of course it's abduction...anything said otherwise....is wrong.

Yes, i know. My post was in response to the one directly above it.

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I live in Thailand and have full custody of my first born. Because my ex and I were not married she automatically gained full custody of her and I am not even recognized as the father until we marry or go to court. We broke up and I went to court with a 2 tiered request. To be recognized as the father and to gain full custody which was granted.

If I hand my child to her mother and she is not returned then it is kidnapping. Obviously the police here think that to due to the arrests warrant out on her. I commend him for the dedication and commitment he has made in trying to get his kids back. I empathize with him as it would rip my heart out if I was in the same predicament.

I hope they are returned as soon as possible and the woman held to account. For a father to be granted full custody is apparently rare in Thailand so one can be assured there is a combination of her being an unfit mother and him being an exemplary father.

Good luck.

Thailand is not that big Chooka,, there would be clues and information Thai's don't miss anything, the police need to be more pro active, some one knows something, just who remains to be seen.

[IamNoone88]

Abducted? In any other language, this would be called kidnapped.

[phantomfiddler]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I live in Thailand and have full custody of my first born. Because my ex and I were not married she automatically gained full custody of her and I am not even recognized as the father until we marry or go to court. We broke up and I went to court with a 2 tiered request. To be recognized as the father and to gain full custody which was granted.

If I hand my child to her mother and she is not returned then it is kidnapping. Obviously the police here think that to due to the arrests warrant out on her. I commend him for the dedication and commitment he has made in trying to get his kids back. I empathize with him as it would rip my heart out if I was in the same predicament.

I hope they are returned as soon as possible and the woman held to account. For a father to be granted full custody is apparently rare in Thailand so one can be assured there is a combination of her being an unfit mother and him being an exemplary father.

Good luck.

Thailand is not that big Chooka,, there would be clues and information Thai's don't miss anything, the police need to be more pro active, some one knows something, just who remains to be seen.

The police will do nothing unless they are specifically paid to perform any duty that requires extra footwork, plus a promise of further payment when successful !

[realenglish1]

It seems that this is just a matter of time before the authorities one way or the other find them.

I feel sorry for everyone here since emotions are running high

Good luck Hope you get the girls real soon

[shanahan]

If you abscond with children who are not in your parental custody surely that is abduction.

He shall have been awarded 'custody' for sure, but in Thailand parental responsibility is 50/50 and never intended to be devisive. If the children are in Thailand, then legally (and unfortunately, in this case), and in law, she has as much right to that parental responsibility. Thus, it is not abduction. As soon as he handed them into the 'parental care of mother', on a formal, even if ad hoc, basis, he handed parental responsibility for the time they are with her. If that time was not agreed on paper, in a contractual form, then the mother has done nothing wrong. (again, I re-iterate, unfortunately). Such issues are delicate matters where children are involved, and anybody should read this forum with severity at mind. Sort out the law, before you assume it works the way it does in your home country.

Please don't comment about a sensitive matter such as this when you have clearly no idea what you are talking about. Moderators would do well to remove your bs post along with my reply.

Edited August 12, 2014 by shanahan

[wade72]

If you abscond with children who are not in your parental custody surely that is abduction.

He shall have been awarded 'custody' for sure, but in Thailand parental responsibility is 50/50 and never intended to be devisive. If the children are in Thailand, then legally (and unfortunately, in this case), and in law, she has as much right to that parental responsibility. Thus, it is not abduction. As soon as he handed them into the 'parental care of mother', on a formal, even if ad hoc, basis, he handed parental responsibility for the time they are with her. If that time was not agreed on paper, in a contractual form, then the mother has done nothing wrong. (again, I re-iterate, unfortunately). Such issues are delicate matters where children are involved, and anybody should read this forum with severity at mind. Sort out the law, before you assume it works the way it does in your home country.

I am sure the last thing Mr. Day needs is the advice from another barstool lawyer, I would imagine by now he knows exactly what the laws are and what his rights are.

As for parental responsibility being 50/50, your correct it is, until a court order is issued otherwise: ie. FULL CUSTODY

Edited August 12, 2014 by wade72

[ericthai]

If you abscond with children who are not in your parental custody surely that is abduction.

He shall have been awarded 'custody' for sure, but in Thailand parental responsibility is 50/50 and never intended to be devisive. If the children are in Thailand, then legally (and unfortunately, in this case), and in law, she has as much right to that parental responsibility. Thus, it is not abduction. As soon as he handed them into the 'parental care of mother', on a formal, even if ad hoc, basis, he handed parental responsibility for the time they are with her. If that time was not agreed on paper, in a contractual form, then the mother has done nothing wrong. (again, I re-iterate, unfortunately). Such issues are delicate matters where children are involved, and anybody should read this forum with severity at mind. Sort out the law, before you assume it works the way it does in your home country.

You have no idea what you are talking about. A father is able to get full custody in Thailand. In this case that is what has happened and her not returning the children makes this kidnapping.

[pattayad]

I really hope the girls are returned quickly,I was given full custody of my daughter when she was 2,a year or so later her real mother try to snatch her from outside my house while she was playing,luckily I stopped her and the police arrived.i had all the paperwork and the police gave her a very strong warning.my girl is now 7 but there is not a day goes by that I worry that my ex might try this again.please god that the 2girls r given back to their dad ASAP.

[Sena Dave]

Poor sod must be pulling his hair out . When i first got custody of my kids 8 years ago they were 3 an4 and I lived in fear of this happening

I hope they throw the book at the mother and the bloke , Thais don't do guilt but he should know better.

[kingstonkid]

If it is believed that the new husband has anything to do with this he could find himself barred from Thailand.

Being barred from Thailand could be the least of his worries. If they prove he has helped he can do serious jail time courtesy of the thai government

[wade72]

If it is believed that the new husband has anything to do with this he could find himself barred from Thailand.

Being barred from Thailand could be the least of his worries. If they prove he has helped he can do serious jail time courtesy of the thai government

Yep.. and as he should....

if the boyfriend is reading this, I would suggest making contact with the father or the police for the safe return of the kids to their rightful place. Might keep you out of jail, and a Thai jail to boot, for a LONG time.

[Chazchallenger]

This case is 72 days old, and in fact anyone who has been following the story, would know that actually there is an arrest warrant out for the mother, for kidnapping, which carries a sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment. She has no legal right to the children which has already been recognised by Thai law. Approximately 3 weeks ago she had been in touch with the police , and said she was willing to give the children up on the basis of " no arrest". Obviously didn't happen. I just hope this story has a happy ending.