The family is devastated by the loss of their 10-month-old daughter. Meanwhile, the nursery claims the child choked on milk. Doctors found milk filling the lungs, while the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) assures fairness for all parties.
In the case reported, Mr. Sathit Boonprakasit, 31, the father of the 10-month-and-25-day-old girl, filed a complaint with investigators at Samet Police Station. He said he had left his daughter at a nursery in a luxury village in Samet Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province. This village is well-secured by guards, with no outsiders allowed entry. The monthly fee was 7,500 baht, excluding formula milk and disposable diapers. CCTV footage was supposed to be accessible at all times. That morning, he dropped off his daughter as usual, but later the nursery called to inform him that his daughter had died. The staff claimed the child choked on milk. Upon seeing his daughter's body at Chonburi Hospital, he was deeply saddened and received no clear explanation from the nursery.
On 17 Feb 2026, reporters at Samet Police Station stated that the Chonburi DSDW, the child's parents, and related parties held a meeting. They interviewed Ms. Pailin Klaisuriyawong, 50, the grandmother of the 10-month-and-25-day-old girl, who said they had left the child at the nursery since she was about six and a half months old. They trusted the nursery because it appeared to meet standards, had CCTV, English teachers, and a safe environment. She felt confident leaving the child there for around four months.
On the day of the incident, at about 11 a.m., the nursery called the child's mother to report the child was not breathing and they were rushing her to a private hospital. Upon arrival, the grandmother found the child in the ICU. Doctors informed her that the child was brain dead. Medical staff said the heart had stopped and the brain was non-functional; when brought in, the child’s skin was already blue. Despite the doctors’ best efforts over an hour, the child passed away. Afterward, staff explained that all the children were asleep, but this child did not wake up or breathe, which caused alarm and led to rushing her to the hospital. The grandmother was too distressed to listen further.
The doctor’s final conclusion was that milk filled the lungs. However, the grandmother stated that her granddaughter was already mobile and able to drink from a bottle, so this sudden death was unlikely. The child had never choked on milk before while in their care. Although the nursery promised to take responsibility, she insisted that life is priceless and cannot be compensated with money. She demands accountability and rejects the explanation that the child simply choked while sleeping. She wishes her granddaughter to become an angel in heaven and will seek justice.
Mr. Sathit, the father, said the nursery appeared to meet standards and cared for about 20 children. At 11:27 a.m., they called to say his daughter wasn’t breathing and was receiving CPR at a private hospital. He had been playing with her just before. When he arrived, he saw cotton stuffed in her nose and felt terrible. He does not yet know the cause of death. He is not demanding anything but wants to review the promised CCTV footage, which he was told existed when he enrolled her. However, when he asked to see it, they said the cameras were broken or unplugged.
Later, the nursery said the CCTV was malfunctioning. He wants to see footage from the time of the incident to understand what happened. His child died, and he has no idea why, especially since she died at the nursery without him seeing her again. He is heartbroken and wants the truth. If possible, he advises other parents to raise their children themselves to avoid similar grief. He wants his daughter to have a bright future, to work and study well. The mother had just bought a house for their child to live in comfortably but, after only two days, now must live alone without her daughter.
Ms. Chanjira Thaibundit, Director of the Chonburi Provincial Department of Social Development and Human Security (DSDW), said that upon learning of the case, DSDW visited to investigate. The nursery owner claimed the child choked on milk and was rushed to the hospital within five minutes. Later, they confirmed the child had died. Questions from the parents about the cause of death are matters for the police to investigate. DSDW’s role is to issue licenses and inspect facilities, hygiene, and caregiver numbers. Normally, DSDW conducts inspections jointly with public health, construction authorities, and local government to advise the governor on licensing. DSDW also reinspects annually to renew licenses for the children's best interests.
This nursery has operated for 10 years with annual license renewals. DSDW urges parents to report any incidents of harm or abuse against children to DSDW or the 24-hour hotline 1300 at any time.