Mother of Missing Melbourne Girl Bung Siriboon Dies After Cancer Battle
Vannida Pattison, the mother who spent 15 years desperately hoping for the return of her missing daughter, has died following a 20-month battle with cancer. Known affectionately as Nid, she passed away last Monday after being diagnosed with primary central nervous system lymphoma in May 2024.
Tragic Timing Near Disappearance Anniversary
Her death comes just a few months before the 15th anniversary of the unsolved disappearance of her youngest daughter, Siriyakorn 'Bung' Siriboon. Bung was last seen walking to school from her family home on Elsie Street in Boronia, east Melbourne, at approximately 8.25am on June 2, 2011.
The 13-year-old was wearing her school uniform, including a dark blue zip-front school jacket, and carrying a backpack when spotted by a neighbour. She never arrived at school that day and failed to return home, with no confirmed sightings since.
Police Investigation and Criticism
Victoria Police continue to offer a $1 million reward for information leading to answers about Bung's disappearance, describing it as 'out of character' given her stable family background. However, retired NSW Police Detective Charlie Bezzina has criticised the initial response, stating authorities were 'too slow' when the child first vanished and that the case should have raised immediate alarm bells.
Family's Heartbreaking Journey
Following Vannida's cancer diagnosis in 2024, close family friend Dyamai Hillard established a GoFundMe page to support the family. Bung's step-father, Fred Pattison, shared the devastating news of his wife's passing on the platform, writing: 'With great sorrow and sadness I like to inform you my wife has passed. Thank you all, with all our love and gratitude for the help you share, bless you all. One journey comes to an end and another begins.'
More than $13,000 has been raised to assist Mr Pattison and Bung's sister, Pang. Vannida had been living in Thailand while her husband remained in Australia for work, entering palliative care earlier this month before her passing.
Ongoing Search and Memorial
Funeral rites for Vannida began in Ubon Ratchathani, east Thailand, on Monday. The case of Bung Siriboon remains one of Melbourne's most haunting unsolved mysteries, with the substantial reward still in place as investigators and the family continue to seek closure.
