Thai Maid Detained Live on TV Over Alleged Disinfectant Poisoning of Toddler
Police detained a 57-year-old Thai housemaid during a live television broadcast on December 30 after she was accused of attempting to poison her employer’s young child by adding disinfectant to his milk.
The case emerged after a Thai mother issued a public warning online, claiming her two-year-old son, Kirin, narrowly avoided serious harm. She alleged that the newly hired maid, identified as Usanee “Ann” Palang-usa, poured Dettol liquid disinfectant into the child’s milk bottle on her first day of work.
The mother shared CCTV footage that allegedly shows Usanee pouring the disinfectant into Kirin’s nursing bottle. The incident was discovered when the child’s grandmother noticed a strong chemical smell coming from the milk. The family immediately took Kirin to hospital, where doctors later confirmed he was unharmed.
The mother said she could not understand the motive behind the alleged act, as Usanee had only just begun working for the family.
After the story went viral on social media, several other individuals came forward, claiming Usanee had previously stolen from them. Some online users speculated that the suspect may have intended to poison the child so the family would leave the house for the hospital, giving her an opportunity to steal valuables.
Usanee fled the home shortly after the incident but later appeared on the popular Channel 3 news programme Hone Krasae to defend herself. During the live interview, she denied intending to poison the child, admitting she poured liquid from a spray bottle into the milk but claiming she believed it was milk because of its white colour.
However, the CCTV footage appeared to contradict her account, as it showed her using the same liquid earlier to clean the floor.
Usanee continued to deny all allegations during the programme. The show then contacted another alleged victim, who claimed she had previously caught Usanee on CCTV stealing cash and a gold necklace. The woman said the items were later returned after Usanee begged her not to pursue legal action or share the incident online. Usanee strongly denied the claim, accusing the woman of fabricating the story.
While the interview was still in progress, officers from Bang Pong Pang Police Station arrived at the studio to detain Usanee. The arrest prompted an angry response from her, as she accused the programme of orchestrating the situation.
“Are you tricking me into being arrested? You paid me 5,000 baht to attend the interview and then called the police. This is not fair,” she said before walking out of the studio. Police later escorted her to the station for further questioning.
At the end of the broadcast, the programme’s host said additional alleged victims were expected to visit the police station to file formal complaints against Usanee.
