Newborn baby rescued from rubbish bin by scrap collector in Rayong

RAYONG, 3 September 2026 — A scrap collector named Meechok Siangyong, 50, stumbled upon a newborn boy inside a black plastic bag placed within a rubbish bin in Rayong. The infant was discovered during the early hours of the day in Soi Phongdee, near Suan Pa Sirikit Road in Choeng Noen subdistrict, Mueang Rayong district. Meechok alerted a nearby resident, Nok Kaew Sukprasert, who in turn helped uncover the baby, who appeared to be alive and wrapped in a towel.

Nok Kaew promptly removed the newborn from the bin, provided immediate care, and contacted the police and rescue workers to ensure the baby's safety. The infant, seemingly healthy, was subsequently transported to Rayong Hospital for further medical attention and treatment. Rescuers from the Sawang Phonkuson Rayong Foundation, alongside police and hospital medical personnel, were subsequently on-site to aid in the situation.

Mueang Rayong police are currently investigating the incident and intend to review records of recent births at Rayong Hospital in an attempt to identify the baby's mother. It is essential to note that Thailand does not have a safe-haven law that permits parents to relinquish newborns anonymously. In cases where parents are unable to care for a baby, assistance can be sought through hospital social workers or the 24-hour Social Assistance Centre at 1300, which can provide temporary care, shelter, and referrals for the formal adoption process. For any medical emergency, dial 1669.