Staff Reporter:
The whereabouts of 2,038 children who went missing over the last seven months, from January to July this year, have remained unknown, according to the Police Headquarters (PHQ).
In a statement on Thursday, the PHQ said that 15,717 general diaries (GDs) were filed with police stations across the country over the period, regarding the disappearance of children aged between zero and 17.
Among the children, 474 were aged between zero and nine. Of them, 406 were found, while the remaining 68 were still missing.
During the period, 15,243 children aged 10 to 17 years went missing. Of them, 13,273 were found, while 1,970 remained missing.
According to the PHQ, an analysis of the reasons for children going missing shows that those aged zero to nine years typically go missing after getting separated from their families while visiting unfamiliar places, being unable to provide their family members’ names and addresses, or losing their way while trying to return home alone.
On the other hand, those aged between 10 and 17 typically go missing for reasons including running away due to hurt feelings or resentment, academic pressure, fear of shame after becoming involved in immoral activities, a desire for an independent life, attempts to extract money or other benefits from family members, family disputes and unrest, and the influence of friends or classmates.
The Police Headquarters said that 17,808 missing-person GDs were filed in 2023, 16,414 in 2024, and 22,550 in 2025.
However, it did not mention how many of the missing persons were found during those years.
