An incident unfolded in the Ratchaburana district of Bangkok when a 41-year-old LGBT man, was found dead in his home after taking his own life. The authorities were alerted to the situation when his family discovered his lifeless body hanging from a beam in his living room. Police and medical personnel quickly responded to the scene.

 

The investigation, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Tanongsak Plungklang from the Ratchaburana Police Station, revealed that Mr. Ekphong had used an electrical cord to hang himself. Nearby, a chair was discovered, presumably used to support him before he tied the cord around his neck and jumped off.

 

The room where he was found also contained numerous religious artifacts, including Buddha statues, various deities, and several "kumarnthong" (spirit child) figurines. His family described him as a devoted collector of such items, which he believed would bring him good fortune and protection.

 

Mr. Ekphong's father, explained that his son had struggled with depression, particularly after ending a relationship with a man from Vientiane. This emotional turmoil led to previous suicide attempts, including two instances where Mr. Ekphong had jumped from a bridge but survived. Despite seeking psychiatric treatment and taking medication, his condition seemed to worsen.

 

A particularly troubling detail came from Mr. Ekphong's father, who shared his belief that his son may have been influenced by black magic after his failed relationship. He recalled finding a large wooden phallic object (phallus) and black beads in the kitchen, which were not recognised by anyone in the family. He speculated that these items might have been part of a sorcery ritual, which he believed could have contributed to his son's tragic mental state.

 

The family has planned to invite monks to perform a ceremony to dispel any negative spiritual influence from their home.

 

Police and forensic doctors confirmed that no signs of external injury were found on the body, aside from the marks from the electrical cord. No signs of robbery or struggle were found in the house, and the death was determined to have occurred at least six hours prior to discovery.

 

The body has been sent to Siriraj Hospital for a more detailed examination. Once the autopsy is complete, the family will be able to proceed with funeral arrangements. 

 

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.

 

Picture from responders.

-- 2024-11-10