Thai Boy’s Epic 620 km Bike Ride Home: Family Reunited
A 13-year-old boy’s arduous 620-kilometer bicycle journey to his grandparents underscores the profound impact of familial bonds and sparked a heartwarming display of community support in Chachoengsao province, Thailand. The boy, identified only as Pond, was found at a PTT Hua Samrong Gateway gas station on Road 331 in Plaeng Yao district on February 12, 2025, a Thai religious holiday. His disheveled appearance and solitary presence amidst the holiday bustle caught the attention of several concerned citizens, including a local reporter.
Pond’s journey began in Laem Chabang, Chonburi province, where he had been living with his mother for the past five months. Driven by an overwhelming longing for his grandparents in Ban Phon Sawan, Na Chaluai district, Ubon Ratchathani—who raised him from a young age—he embarked on his ambitious cycling trip at 5:00 a. m. without informing his mother. By the time he was discovered at the gas station, he had already cycled over 100 kilometers.
The young adventurer carried a simple black school backpack containing a hammock, school supplies, a ping-pong paddle, and a flute—items reflecting a childhood filled with simple joys and a love for learning and play. Pond quickly dispelled any concerns about hardship or mistreatment at home, emphasizing that his solo expedition stemmed solely from an intense yearning for his grandparents.
Adding to the arduous undertaking, Pond’s bicycle was struck by a motorcyclist earlier in his journey. Although he escaped injury, his school uniform showed the impact. The motorcyclist, recognizing the boy’s vulnerability, gave him 100 baht. Pond spent 40 baht on food, leaving him with 60 baht.
Witnessing Pond’s plight, good Samaritans rallied. Mr. Somkiat Tanwutto, one of the first to notice the boy, contacted the Plaeng Yao police. While awaiting the authorities, bystanders generously donated between 300 and 500 baht, accumulating over 2,000 baht—a testament to the community’s empathetic response.
The police diligently contacted Pond’s family. Lacking contact information for his mother or grandparents, Police Colonel Preecha Nisaisom, superintendent of Plaeng Yao station, reached out to Pond’s father, Mr. Kat, 45. The relieved father rushed to the station, embracing his son.
The ensuing conversation revealed Pond’s desire to return to his grandparents' care in Ubon Ratchathani. His father, acknowledging his son’s deep emotional connection to his grandparents and the quality of education in Ubon, agreed. However, he persuaded Pond to complete the current school term in Laem Chabang, given approaching exams. Following police mediation, Pond agreed not to run away again and to concentrate on his studies for the remaining month. He will then move to Ubon Ratchathani to continue his education and live with his grandparents. When asked about his future aspirations, Pond expressed his ambition to become a social justice lawyer, reflecting his innate sense of fairness and empathy.
This remarkable story, beginning with a solitary boy on a long and challenging journey, concluded with a heartwarming display of community kindness and a strengthened family bond. It serves as a potent reminder of the enduring power of family ties and the compassionate spirit found even in unexpected circumstances. Pond’s story is not just about a boy’s journey home; it’s a testament to the strength of human connection and the importance of supporting one another, especially during times of vulnerability.
