SONGKHLA: A 13-year-old student died on his birthday at hospital on Tuesday after being knocked down by a friend who trains as a boxer, after they had a brief dispute.
Nathawut Thongson, a student of Hatyaijaroenrajpittaya School in Hat Yai district, was pronounced dead at 7.20am at Hat Yai Hospital. He had been in its intensive care unit for 12 days. His funeral rites were set for Wat Khuan Lang in Hat Yai.
The boy's mother, 38-year-old Sripanya Chuaisom, said her son had not regained consciousness and was dependent on a respirator. His blood pressure had gradually fallen until he finally passed away.
"Candles will be blown on his birthday cake at the bathing ceremony for his body," she said.
Pol Lt Col Banyat Wongsuwon, deputy chief of the Thung Tam Sao police station in Hat Yai, said the boy who hit Nathawut would be charged with manslaughter in addition to physical assault.
The attack happened at their school on the afternoon of Aug 3. The two boys were friends, but had an argument. Nathawut spat at the other boy, identified only as Tan. In response, Tan kicked Nathawut and punched him in the face. Nathawut was knocked down.
It was believed Nathawut's head hit the ground hard and he suffered a brain haemorrhage.