BANGKOK – Police have laid two serious charges against a house cleaner for allegedly putting Dettol disinfectant into a baby’s milk bottle while working at a family home.
Pol Maj Gen Wittawat Chinkham, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 5, said on Wednesday that the suspect faces charges of premeditated assault and adulterating food. Police said she has denied both allegations.
The woman, identified only as Usanee, also known as “Ann”, 57, was arrested on Tuesday during a live TV appearance. She was being interviewed on Channel 3’s talk show when officers from Bang Phongphang police station arrived at the studio and took her into custody.
During the broadcast, she accused the programme host, Kanchai Kamnerdploy, of setting her up. She said she was paid 5,000 baht to appear, then police were called to arrest her. A police officer later said he was watching the interview, recognised the suspect, and then went to the studio with other officers to question her.
The Woman Was a Casual House Cleaner
The case first drew attention after a social media post alleged the house cleaner poured Dettol into a two-year-old boy’s bottle of milk at her employer’s house in Bangkok. Police said she was hired on a casual basis.
Investigators also said the suspect has a previous record. Police said she was caught stealing while working as a cleaner at Siriraj Hospital in August 2024 and received a suspended prison sentence.
Police added that in August last year, she was also accused of taking valuables from a condominium in On Nut. The victim did not file a complaint after the items and money were returned. The suspect denied involvement, though the victim reportedly had CCTV footage.
Officers said they suspect she may have tampered with other food before, but no one was harmed because it was not eaten.
Police seized two mobile phones from Ms Usanee for forensic checks. They said they will review communication records and look for possible links to other offences.
After questioning, investigators took her to court and asked to extend her detention until 5 January. Police opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns she could offend again.
The court granted the request to extend custody but also approved bail of 30,000 baht. Police said she could not provide the bail amount and was sent to the Central Women’s Correctional Institution.
Mother Demands Justice
The child’s mother, identified only as Ms Renuka, said she confronted the house cleaner and asked why Dettol disinfectant was put into her son’s milk, but received no answer. She said the woman denied everything, despite what she described as clear evidence, and added that she does not think the suspect should be free.
On Tuesday, Ms Renuka filed a complaint with Bang Phongphang police after discovering what happened inside her four-storey home in Bangkok’s Bang Phongphang district. She said the incident took place on 26 December at about 12.25 pm.
She said her mother noticed a strong disinfectant smell while the toddler was drinking milk during his afternoon nap. The bottle was removed straight away, and the boy was taken to the hospital. Doctors found no immediate symptoms.
Ms Renuka said she hired the cleaner through a Facebook group where casual domestic workers advertise their services. The woman introduced herself as Usanee and agreed to work from 7 am to 6 pm for 500 baht a day. Ms Renuka said 26 December was her first day.
After the bottle was taken away, Ms Renuka reviewed security camera footage. She said the video showed the housemaid adding Dettol to the milk in the child’s bottle, then placing it back in the bedroom.
