Thai father confesses to killing 6 month old baby after argument with wife
A Thai father confessed to killing his six month old baby boy at a rented house in Bangkok yesterday by pushing him off the bed due to the baby’s persistent crying and the stress following an argument with his wife.
The baby’s 25 year old mother, Chotika, who is six months pregnant, yesterday, December 2, contacted officers from Kannayao Police Station and non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to investigate the death of her six month old son at a rented house in the Saimai district of Bangkok.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Chotika crying outside the house while her husband, 30 year old Maethee, was inside. Chotika led the officers to her bedroom, where the lifeless body of the baby was discovered.Â
The baby bore visible wounds and bruises, and blood was found flowing from his mouth and nose. Initial investigations suggested that the baby died approximately five hours before Chotika discovered him.
Chotika revealed to the Saimai Survive team that she had been married to Maethee for two years.Â
Chotika suspected that her husband was responsible for their son’s death as he had physically abused her throughout their relationship.
Unemployed and abusive husband
Chotika disclosed that Maethee was unemployed, leaving her as the sole breadwinner for the family. She stated that she spent over 1 million baht on him and endured physical abuse, hoping to provide her children with a father.Â
Chotika recounted that they argued on Sunday, December 1, because she wanted him to stay with her on her birthday but he preferred to go out with his friends. Following the argument, Maethee assaulted her, forcing her to leave the room.
Fearing for her safety, Chotika sought help from relatives and filed a complaint at Kannayao Police Station. The officers advised her to stay hidden from Maethee and planned to check on the baby the next day.Â
However, when Maethee eventually allowed her to see the child, the baby was already dead. Maethee claimed the baby accidentally fell off the bed but Chotika doubs his explanation.
Chotika further alleged that Maethee often played rough with their son, biting him on his buttocks, legs, and arms, which left the baby with numerous injuries.
Despite initially insisting the death was accidental, Maethee later confessed to killing the child under pressure from multiple police officers and officials. He admitted to pushing the baby off the bed, causing the fatal fall.
Channel 3 reported that Maethee has been charged under Section 290 of the Thai Criminal Code for physical assault resulting in death. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of three to 15 years.
