Police in Udon Thani have arranged psychiatric assessments for a foreign couple accused of abandoning a baby girl who later died after being found beneath a rain tree in the province. The suspects, a 39-year-old Swedish man and a 29-year-old African American woman, have refused to cooperate with investigators, denied the charges against them and repeatedly chanted prayers while in police custody.

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According to police, surveillance footage showed the couple abandoning the baby girl beneath a rain tree at 9.20am on June 10. The infant was only discovered at 5.30pm the same day, unconscious and described as bluish-green in colour.

A police officer performed CPR before the child was taken to hospital, but medical staff were unable to save her. Authorities later launched an investigation to identify those responsible and determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

The couple were arrested at a hotel in the Nong Bua community of Udon Thani municipality at 1pm on June 11. They face charges of murder and child abandonment resulting in death.

Picture courtesy of TNR

Police said passport checks revealed both suspects had overstayed their visas in Thailand since March. During the arrest, the Swedish man allegedly resisted officers and had to be physically restrained before being taken to Udon Thani police station, while the woman wept and denied abandoning the child.

Upon arriving at the station, the pair requested permission to chant what officers described as a religious or sect-related incantation. Investigators said the suspects consistently denied the allegations and gave evasive responses during questioning.

The investigation has also established that the woman gave birth approximately two weeks ago in Nong Khai before the baby was later abandoned in Udon Thani.

The case has drawn significant attention as authorities continue efforts to establish the exact cause of the infant’s death. Police said both suspects have refused to acknowledge the arrest warrants, declined to cooperate with the investigation and refused to undergo drug testing.

Investigators are now awaiting the results of the psychiatric assessments, an autopsy examination and DNA testing to confirm the child’s identity and determine how she died. Police have also coordinated with the embassies of both countries so diplomatic representatives can participate in the investigation.

The ThaiNewsRoom reported that the findings from the medical and forensic examinations are expected to play a key role in determining the next steps in the case and supporting any future legal proceedings.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thai newsroom 13 June 2026

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Full article says both have overstayed visas since March, which suggests that they entered Thailand together. Footage of them chanting in the police station suggests they have been relatively long term members of some (likely overseas) religious group/cult.

If it is revealed that they travelled to Thailand knowing she was pregnant, that does raise serious questions about whether the abandonment of the child was planned well in advance, their thinking being that it would be difficult for Thai authorities to trace the abandoned newborn back to the couple. If a long term premeditation proves to be the case, they may be facing some very harsh jail sentences.

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

Foreign Couple Face Mental Assessment

repeatedly chanted prayers while in police custody.

While you're at it, send your team to soi Buakhou, got a few down there need mental assessing.

5 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

Footage of them chanting in the police station does suggest they have been relatively long term members of some (likely overseas religious group/cult. If it is revealed that they travelled to Thailand knowing she was pregnant

Oh, a cult, sounds like perhaps, a human sacrifice

2 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

While you're at it, send your team to soi Buakhou, got a few down there need mental assessing.

Oh, a cult, sounds like perhaps, a human sacrifice

That's a bit of a stretch...

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So sad.

With many couples unable to have children, i would like to think they could have given the newborn up in a safe way.

I wonder if the visa overstay consequences may have had a part to play in their decision.

RIP little one.