French National Found Dead in Hanging Near Wat Mai Bang Saray Gate

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A French national was discovered dead hanging from a neem tree near the gate of Wat Mai Bang Saray. Authorities were alerted to the scene after local residents made the grim discovery at approximately 12.30 on November 20.

 

The individual, whose identity was stated only as Mr Marcel, aged 52,, was found dressed in traditional Thai attire, with a rope tied around their neck and attached to a branch of the tree. Initial investigations suggest the person had been deceased for several hours before being found. A cloth bag containing an empty wallet, and an ID card was found hanging on.a branch, plus a plastic chair, a bottle of vegetable oil, and a bottle of water were found nearby.

 

Police and medical responders were quickly dispatched to the location. Forensic experts conducted an on-site examination and determined no immediate signs of foul play. The body has been transferred to hospital for an autopsy to confirm the cause of death and establish the time of the incident.

 

Local witnesses reported seeing the man in the area in the days leading up to the incident, though no unusual behaviour was noted. Officials initially this appears to be a suicide, but the investigation remains ongoing.

 

Ms. Jirachaya, 49, the deceased's former partner, shared that Mr. Marcel had lived in Thailand for several years and was deeply fond of the country. The couple had separated but remained in contact. Two years ago, he returned to live in a house he had purchased for her.

 

According to Ms. Jirachaya, Mr. Marcel had been struggling with financial difficulties, which had worsened recently. She had advised him to return to France to be with his family, but he refused, citing his love for Thailand and its culture.

 

Efforts to sell the house for additional funds were unsuccessful, adding to his stress. On the morning of the tragedy, while Ms. Jirachaya was out running errands, she was informed of the incident and rushed to the scene.

 

Authorities also revealed that Mr. Marcel had a history of self-harm. In December 2023, he reportedly attempted to harm himself with a knife due to financial distress.

The French Embassy in Bangkok has been notified and is coordinating with Thai authorities to assist in reaching out to the family.

 

Wat Mai Bang Saray, a serene and well-visited temple in the Bang Saray area, has seen its peaceful surroundings disrupted by this unfortunate event. Residents have expressed shock and sadness, with some planning a merit-making ceremony in memory of the deceased.

Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the case or the individual to come forward to aid the investigation.

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.

-- 2024-11-20

 

[Georgealbert]