'Baby Apec' life in danger
2003-10-18 11:43
Bangkok - An abandoned newborn baby who was nicknamed "Apec" after being found dumped in a garbage bag near the meeting's venue in downtown Bangkok is fighting for his life, his doctor said on Saturday.
The four-year-old baby boy was discovered by Thai police who heard his cries as they patrolled a motorcade route ahead of the Asia Pacific Economic Cupertino (Apec) summit which begins on Monday.
The police officer who gave the baby his name said in a television interview that he was unconscious when he was found on Friday amid a pile of rubbish, but was quickly resuscitated and sent to a children's hospital.
However, the hospital director said she would prefer the baby was given another name because his life remained in danger - and if his health worsened it would bode ill for the high-profile meeting of 21 world leaders.
"I do not want to call him Apec, as it may be unfortunate for the summit," Surapee Ruangsuwan said.
"He still can't breathe by himself and is relying on respiratory aid because he lacked oxygen for a long time. His overall condition is critical but stable."
- SAPA