Newborn found abandoned in backpack at temple restroom

Samut Songkhram — On September 19, 2026, a newborn baby boy was discovered abandoned inside a backpack at Wat Si Satthatham temple in Samut Songkhram province, with his umbilical cord still attached. Local fisherman Somchai Nilawat, 49, heard cries coming from the darkened facility and alerted the police after returning to the scene nearly an hour later.

Upon arrival, Pol. Lt. Phonanan Santivimon and rescuers from the Sappharachain Samut Songkhram Foundation found the newborn boy, who appeared to have recently been delivered, wrapped in a pink towel and inside a black backpack emblazoned with "ULTRAMAN COSMOS." The baby was taken for further medical treatment at Somdet Phra Phutthalertla Hospital.

Somchai, who was out shrimp and fish fishing, noticed unusual sounds from the restroom around 22:15 and returned to investigate 30 minutes later. He was shocked to find the infant boy, and immediately called the police. As of the investigation's conclusion, authorities had not determined the identity of the person who abandoned the child, but are considering various possibilities, including a local teenager, a migrant worker, or a woman who feared legal consequences.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas and routes to identify potential suspects and are prepared to question any individuals identified in accordance with the law. The incident occurred in Muang district, Muang Samut Songkhram Police Station.