CityNews – On March 21, the Chiang Mai Deputy Governor Manat Kansai held a press meeting updating the local press on the issue regarding two small hill tribe girls who were accused by a British tourist of stealing a watch, subsequently going viral on both Thai and British media channels.
After talks with the girls and her parents, it was concluded that the girls did not steal the watch. The British tourist made no contact and did not reply to requests to speak on the matter with local authorities.
In coordination with The Foundation of Child Understanding and the British Honorary Consulate in Chiang Mai, Ben Svasti contacted the British media and asked if they could send an apology to the girls who’s image had been tarnished by the spreading of incorrect news.
The Daily Mail, The Sun, The Express and The Telegraph all sent a letter to the girls apologising for their incorrect news. The parents of the children have also received donations to make up for the loss of money from not being able to earn money taking photos with tourists on Doi Suthep after the news went viral.
CityNews would also like to apologise for sharing the incorrect news as was published by the British media at that time before subsequently correcting once we received more information from local authorities.