Bangkok: A promising young electrician's aspirations were crushed due to a decade-long abuse by his stepmother, who prevented him from advancing his education and forced him into the workforce prematurely.
According to Thai News Agency, the tragic story of "Nong Phu," an 18-year-old assistant electrician with an outstanding academic record, came to light through his employer. Nong Phu graduated high school with a remarkable GPA of 3.8 and had initially been brought to the employer by his parents after they saw a job advertisement. Although the employer was concerned about wasting Phu's academic potential, they offered to support his further education. Phu, however, expressed his desire to work first, and despite hesitations due to the risky nature of electrician work and his lack of experience, his dedication and meticulousness convinced the employer to hire him.
During his 3-4 months at the factory, Nong Phu was known for his diligence and respectful nature. However, coworkers and the employer began to notice changes in his behavior, such as paranoia and a tendency to stay late at the factory. These concerns escalated when a factory worker discovered wounds on his face, leading to the revelation of more severe injuries on his body.
Initially, Phu attributed his injuries to an incident involving a neighbor, but later confessed to being a victim of long-term physical abuse from his stepmother. This disclosure prompted the employer to seek assistance from relevant agencies, emphasizing that violent punishment of children is unacceptable.
The company has taken steps to ensure Phu's safety and well-being, providing new accommodation and essential supplies to make the workplace a safe haven. They are committed to supporting his mental recovery and have pledged to fund his education if he wishes to resume his studies in the future.