A Normal Morning That Changed Everything
Siriyakorn “Bung” Siriboon was just 13 Years-Old when she disappeared. She left her Elsie Street home in Boronia at approximately 8.25am on Thursday the 2nd of June in 2011.
On this morning, she wore her full school uniform which included a dark blue zip-front school jacket. Bung also carried with her a backpack. A short time later a neighbor saw her walking towards Albert Avenue.
However, by 4pm a friend phoned Bung’s home to discuss something that had occurred in class. As a result of that call the devastating truth was revealed. Bung had not attended school at all.
Parents Raise the Alarm
Her parents immediately checked with the school and confirmed Bung had never arrived. As a result. they immediately contacted Knox Police and commenced a search that went into the night. They visited friends, walked local streets, and attempted to trace every possible lead.
Despite the search, there was however no sightings of Bung let alone any clues as to what may have happened to her.
Homicide Detectives Join the Case
Homicide detectives officially joined the investigation 2 weeks later. Despite Bung’s parents holding firm hope that their daughter was alive, detectives held grave fears for her safety.
Taskforce Puma
In October 0f 2011, Victoria Police formed Taskforce Puma. Led by Senior Sergeant David Snare, the team included 12 detectives and a tactical intelligence officer. The taskforce’s sole focus was to investigate Bung’s disappearance.
Police Appeal for Answers
On the first anniversary of Bung’s disappearance, police again appealed for help from the public.
Inspector John Potter made a statement designed to appeal to the conscience of anyone who had information. He said, “Somebody knows exactly what happened. They know where Bung is, and they can give this family answers.”
At that point, detectives announced a strong belief that Bung had been abducted by someone who lives in the local area. A key aspect to her disappearance is the fact that her backpack has never been found.
Key Sightings and Crucial Distances
In June of 2012, a witness reported seeing Bung just 130 metres from her school. She was believed to be walking along Harcourt Road and preparing to turn left into Moncoe Street.
Inspector Potter said, “We don’t know what happened in those 130 metres, but that is where she vanished.”
He added there was “every likelihood the person is local.”
Taskforce Puma Disbanded
Despite significant work, Taskforce Puma was disbanded in October of 2013. The disbanding was due to the drying up of leads and an inability to establish a verifiable suspect in the case.
A New Lead Sparks Hope
In 2014, Det Insp Potter revealed new information. He confirmed a man had been seen driving a white station wagon on Boronia Road with a teenage girl of Asian appearance in the back seat that same morning.
The lead reignited public attention into Bung’s disappearance and her possible whereabouts. However, after speaking with several persons of interest, police confirmed none owned a white station wagon.
False Confession Adds More Heartbreak
In 2013, another disturbing claim emerged. A man alleged that he had struck Bung with his car and dumped her body in a nearby reserve. Police searched the site and questioned him several times in relation to his claims. Police failed to find any evidence to support his story, and no remains were ever located.
A $1 Million Reward
In February of 2014, Victoria Police announced a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Bung’s disappearance.
A Girl Never Forgotten
Bung was deeply loved by her family. They, along with the community still feel her loss every day. Despite the many years that have passed since her disappearance, the search for answers continues.
Call for Information
If you have any information regarding the disappearance or suspected murder of Siriyakorn “Bung” Siriboon, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
You can remain anonymous.
