Mother & Stepfather Arrested Over Toddler’s Death in Ratchaburi

Police in Ratchaburi have arrested a mother and her partner after the death of a 1-year-6-month-old boy, with both suspects accused of murder and drug use. The child, identified as “Kluay Khai”, died after suffering repeated physical abuse, including being struck and allegedly subjected to electric shocks in an attempt to revive him. The case has sparked anger among local residents, with crowds gathering outside the police station.

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The arrests were made on 8 April 2026 by investigators from Khao Din Police Station. The suspects, 30-year-old Saowaros and 38-year-old Surasak, are the child’s biological mother and stepfather. A medical examination found the boy died from blunt force trauma to the brain lining, with bruising across the body and burn marks on the back and buttocks, all indicating an unnatural death.

Suspicion intensified when the mother did not collect her son’s body for religious rites, leaving the child’s grandmother to arrange the funeral at Sri Prachumchon Temple in Bang Tanot, Photharam district. Police then brought both suspects in for questioning.

During initial questioning, the mother admitted to previously using a fish shock device on the child when he cried, claiming it was not severe due to a weak battery. She also stated she tried to stop her partner from harming the child. On 6 April 2026, the boy reportedly suffered seizures, prompting neighbours to call emergency services and transport him to Photharam Hospital, where he later died on 7 April.

Authorities said the mother’s statements were inconsistent, and she admitted to drug use. The stepfather was questioned separately and later confessed to striking the child in anger after he cried, including slapping him and punching his forehead until he lost consciousness. He then used a fish shock device in an attempt to revive the boy, while the mother allegedly did not intervene.

Rescue volunteers who attended the child’s body reported multiple bruises, burn wounds on the buttocks and unusual marks, raising further concerns about prolonged abuse. The stepfather admitted to repeatedly assaulting the child over more than two months, including burning him with cigarettes, using the shock device and physical violence.

Daily News reported that police have charged both suspects with jointly committing murder and drug use. Further drug testing and detailed questioning are underway and authorities may conduct a crime reenactment. Local residents gathered outside the investigation unit, expressing outrage at the alleged abuse. Some attempted to confront the suspects, with one incident reported where the mother was slapped and verbally abused while being taken for a urine test.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 10 Apr 2026