Phuket, often revered for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, now finds itself in the shadow of tragedy as the island grapples with a staggering third suspected suicide in merely a week’s time. The most recent victim, identified as a 42-year-old woman, was found in her Kathu home, leaving the community to piece together the heart-wrenching episodes that seem to follow in a grim succession.
The sorrowful discovery was made yesterday, May 12, when local police were summoned to the address on Soi Khuen Bangwad in Moo 7 at 6:55 pm. Upon arrival, they found Phakwalan Khocharoenkiat, a resident who had allegedly taken her life by hanging herself from the staircase within her home. Her father, Chusan Khocharoenkiat, who initially raised the alarm, shared his deep anguish, having grown worried when repeated attempts to contact her by phone went unanswered. It was he who eventually made the devastating discovery.
Her father recounted to the police that Phakwalan had been residing in the house with her boyfriend, who was in Bangkok at the time, leaving her alone. He did not suspect any foul play, noting that Phakwalan had a history of battling depression and had sought treatment in the past. The police, finding no signs of a struggle or any external involvement, confirmed that her body was transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a routine medical examination. The police added, “There was no sign of anyone else involved and the family do not suspect foul play.”
This heart-rending incident follows closely on the heels of two other tragic occurrences that sent shockwaves through the island. Merely one week earlier, on May 5, law enforcement was alerted to two separate cases, both involving men who had allegedly hanged themselves. The first incident took place at a hotel in Patong, where a foreign man was found suspended from a steel roof beam, his identity a mystery without any accompanying documents. Earlier that morning, another man—a Thai national named Anurak Yanaroj—was discovered in Thalang, kneeling with a rope tied to an iron fence, in what too is being approached as a suicide investigation.
The despondency that threads through these events speaks volumes, striking a chord of concern among residents and authorities alike. The reality of mental health challenges, amidst the island’s otherwise paradisiacal backdrop, serves as a solemn reminder of the necessity of support and outreach within such communities.
If you or anyone you know is struggling emotionally, please reach out. Resources such as the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline are available at 02 713 6791 for English speakers, and 02 713 6793 for Thai speakers. Additionally, the Thai Mental Health Hotline can be reached at 1323, offering guidance and support to those in need. It is crucial to connect with friends or family if feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression begin to take hold. Remember, reaching out can make a significant difference.
In light of these incidents, Phuket—as it continues to mourn—echoes a plea for vigilance and empathy. As the island navigates through the ripples of this tragedy, it stands as a stark call for awareness and action towards mental health care, to perhaps prevent future heartbreak.
This is incredibly sad. Mental health is often ignored, especially in places like Phuket where everyone focuses on tourism and money.
You’re right, Joe. It’s as if the allure of the island blinds people to the struggles beneath the surface.
Exactly, Susan. We need more mental health support, not just in Phuket but everywhere.
Mental health issues get swept under the rug because it’s not ‘convenient’ to address.
I’m not sure tourism is to blame. People have their own battles, and sometimes depression runs deeper. It’s not just about where you live.
How many more tragedies till we take mental health seriously? Society fails us every day with its indifference.
Agreed. But it’s not just about society. Families and friends need to be more vigilant too. It’s a group effort.
True, Tommy. But we also need a system that supports families in helping their loved ones.
Let’s remember to mourn the individuals and not just criticize the system. They deserve our compassion.
Has anyone considered if the pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues in Phuket? The isolation couldn’t have helped.
That’s a valid point, Mary. Isolation and financial strains from the pandemic have heightened mental health crises worldwide.
I feel like there should be more outreach programs. Can’t the local government do something?
Governments often lack the resources or the will to push these initiatives. It’s really frustrating.
Why’s mental health taken lightly when lives are at stake? It’s 2023, not the stone age.
Because stigma and lack of awareness still reign. Education needs to focus more on this.
These incidents aren’t just numbers; they’re real lives lost. The community needs to rally together.
Depression is such an unseen enemy. We only notice it when it’s too late.
Blaming Phuket for these suicides is narrow-minded. People with mental health issues everywhere need help.
It breaks my heart that this woman felt so alone. Check on your loved ones, folks.
No one should have to end their life to get our attention. It should not come to this.
Three suicides in a week is a huge wake-up call. Clearly, something needs to change.
Wake-up call or not, action must follow. What’s the use of awareness if it doesn’t lead to change?
Exactly, Alexa. Awareness must lead to tangible support and action.
Who else is tired of seeing people suffer because we fail to listen and act?
The more tragic part is many suffering can be prevented if only someone took the time to care.