A 43-year-old construction contractor was found dead in his pickup truck after reportedly taking his own life through carbon monoxide poisoning from smoke inhalation, citing financial stress as the likely cause.

 

The incident occurred at noon on November 20, in a vacant field approximately one kilometre from Ban Tha Kok Hae community in Warin Chamrap Subdistrict, Ubon Ratchathani. Police and rescue personnel discovered the victim, identified as Mr. Thanakrit in the driver's seat of a gray Toyota pickup truck with a shattered rear window.

 

Inside the truck, authorities found a charcoal stove containing wood planks and ashes, alongside a used LPG gas cylinder near the vehicle. There were no signs of physical assault or injury on the body, and initial assessments suggest he died from carbon monoxide poisoning approximately 3-6 hours before being found.

 

The victim's father, Mr. Phot, revealed that his son sent a location pin to his elder brother in Bangkok at around 02.00. However, the message was only seen in the morning. The brother forwarded the information to the victim's wife in Ubon Ratchathani, who then searched for him.

 

Upon locating the truck, the family broke the rear window and called emergency services. Unfortunately, the victim had already passed away.

 

The father stated that the deceased worked as a construction contractor in southern Thailand and often expressed frustration about delays in payment for completed projects. This financial pressure, compounded by the responsibility of supporting a team of over 30 workers, likely contributed to his distress.

 

Authorities have sent the body for an autopsy at Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital to confirm the cause of death. They are also collecting evidence from the scene to finalise their report.

 

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.

-- 2024-11-21