A 50-year-old American man was found dead after an apparent suicide in a wooded area near Mabprachan Reservoir in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, on 11 March 2026. Police said the man had sent a video message to his wife indicating his intention to end his life before his body was discovered later that day. Authorities are continuing their investigation while coordinating with the United States Embassy.
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At around 16:00 on 11 March 2026, Pol. Lt. Col. Jirasak Aebfaeng, an investigating officer at Nong Prue Police Station, received a report of a man found hanged in a scrub area beneath the embankment of Mabprachan Reservoir in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. Rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya were dispatched to the scene with police officers to conduct an inspection.
Officers found the body of Mr Jason, aged 50, an American, seated against a tree with a rope tied around his neck and attached to a branch. A Yamaha motorcycle bearing registration from Chon Buri, belonging to the deceased, was parked neatly nearby. Initial checks at the scene revealed no signs of struggle or other suspicious circumstances.
The victim’s wife, identified only as Mrs B, told police through tears that her husband had suffered from several chronic medical conditions, including blood clots and heart disease. She also said he had mental health issues and depression, and had frequently expressed distress about his illnesses and a desire to end his life.
According to her statement, the man left home on 9 March and could not be contacted. At approximately 16:00 on that day, he sent her a message and video clip via his phone stating that he intended to hang himself.
After receiving the message, she immediately contacted police and attempted to locate him using the GPS signal from his phone but was unable to find him. She then was later informed that his body had been discovered in the wooded area near the reservoir.
Police have documented the scene and recorded the case in the official logbook as evidence. Investigators believe the man took his own life to escape suffering from serious illness, although further inquiries are being conducted.
Kaoded reported that authorities said relevant individuals will be invited for questioning at the police station as part of the investigation. Police are also coordinating with the United States Embassy to notify other relatives and to proceed with the required legal procedures.
If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help.
Pictures courtesy of Kaoded
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Kaoded 12 Mar 2026