Girl, 4, dies inside locked car while waiting for mother

A girl died while waiting for her mother inside a locked car parked under sweltering heat in Thailand.

Rachaphat Phennarong, 4, quietly climbed into the Toyota Corona outside her home in Khon Kaen without anyone noticing.

The youngster was excited to take a trip with her mother, Rachawadee Phennarong, 34, who told her they would leave later in the afternoon on April 29.

But the child misunderstood and entered the car hours early - only to find herself locked inside.

CCTV footage shows Rachapat climbing into the driver's side of the vehicle. She remained inside for several hours in the intense heat, until her horrified mother discovered her unresponsive at midday.

The frantic mother dragged her daughter from the car - the child's skin burning hot and her lips turning blue - and desperately tried to administer first aid while calling for help.

Paramedics tried to revive her with CPR, but she was later pronounced dead.

Police investigated the scene at 2:30 pm local time, where they found a devastated Rachawadee in tears. She said she thought her daughter had been staying at her grandmother's house.

Police Colonel Yotsawat Kaewsuebthanyanit, superintendent of Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station, said CCTV footage showed the girl entering the car by herself with no one around.

He added: 'No one knew she was inside the car, and she remained trapped inside for a long time, likely suffocating and subsequently dying.

'However, investigators will question those involved to determine the true cause of death before releasing the body to relatives for religious ceremonies.'

The girl's grandmother, Boonsri Phennarong, 68, said she had been raising Rachaphat since birth as the child's mother worked during the day.

She claimed to have been busy with chores, and did not notice the girl leave.

She said: 'My granddaughter was so excited when her mother came home saying they would go on a trip. She even asked for her doll, saying she would return it after their outing.

'After that, I was busy washing the baby bottles and blankets she uses. But at around 11 am, I was surprised because she wasn't here for her afternoon nap. Just an hour later, her mother rushed in carrying her.

'She was unconscious, feverish, and had blue lips. She held my hand briefly, then she became still. The paramedics tried everything to revive her, but they couldn't save her.'

The grandmother said the family were heartbroken by the loss, which she blamed on their own negligence.

She added: 'I only hope others learn from this so no family has to endure the same heartbreak.'

The Thai Meteorological Department warned of hot to very hot weather across northern Thailand as a high-pressure system from China is forecast to extend to the South China Sea and the northeastern region.

Scattered hail, thunderstorms, and gusty winds were also expected.