Infant’s body found in plastic bag at Phitsanulok bus stop
A seven month old infant’s body was discovered in a plastic bag near a bus stop in Phitsanulok, prompting an investigation into a possible premature birth or intentional abortion.
The Thai authorities were alerted at 5pm yesterday by Min Misinth, an investigator at the Phitsanulok City Police Station, who received reports of a baby’s body found discarded next to the entrance of Maesuri Rest Stop in Ban Pa sub-district, Phitsanulok City. Rescue personnel from the Prasat Boon Satharn Foundation and a doctor from Naresuan University Hospital were dispatched to the scene.
The body was found in a grassy area approximately 200 metres from the bus stop’s entrance. It was contained within a 30-centimetre white plastic bag, with a tear at the top revealing the head of the baby. Upon opening the bag, officials identified the body as a male infant, estimated to be between six and seven months in gestational age. Initial assessments suggest that the baby either died from a premature birth or was a victim of an intentional abortion.
Phet Sornthavee, who discovered the body, recounted that he was spraying herbicide along the roadside when he noticed the bag. Upon closer inspection, he saw what appeared to be a baby’s body, causing him to alert nearby shop staff to call the police.
Lek Atthitham, a 55 year old cleaner at the bus stop, mentioned that four buses had arrived simultaneously the previous night. While cleaning the restroom, she observed a teenage girl in a white shirt, stained with blood, scrubbing her shirt at the sink.
When asked if she was alright, the girl claimed it was menstrual blood and showed no signs of distress. Lek did not suspect anything unusual until the infant’s body was discovered. While unsure if the girl was the infant’s mother, she was confident the girl had boarded one of the buses.
Police speculate that the teenager, who was on one of the buses the previous night, might have gone into labour without realising she was pregnant or had an unplanned premature birth. In a state of panic, she might have disposed of the baby’s body in the plastic bag and left it in the grassy area near the bus stop to avoid repercussions.
Examination
The body has been sent to the forensic department at Naresuan University Hospital for further examination to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are also working to identify and locate the infant’s mother for detailed questioning, reported KhaoSod.
“I was spraying herbicide along the roadside when I noticed the bag. Upon closer inspection, I saw what appeared to be a baby’s body.”
This incident has prompted a thorough investigation by the Phitsanulok police, who are trying to piece together the events leading up to the discovery of the infant’s body. The authorities are also reaching out to the public for any information that might help in identifying the young mother or anyone involved in this tragic situation.
