Picture from responders.

 

An 18-year-old male student in his final year of school took his own life at a dormitory in Udon Thani, reportedly due to academic stress and concerns about disappointing his parents.

 

The body of Anupol was discovered in his dormitory located in the Saeng Kaew community, Makkhaeng subdistrict, Udon Thani municipality. Police Lieutenant Prem Triamtua, an investigator from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, along with medical personnel from Udon Thani Central Hospital and rescue volunteers, arrived at the scene shortly after being notified.

 

Anupol was found in the bathroom of his ground-floor dormitory room, wearing a long-sleeved black shirt and black tracksuit trousers. The initial investigation revealed no signs of foul play, with the cause of death determined to be asphyxiation. Medical examiners estimate he had passed away six to eight hours prior to being found.

 

A close friend of the deceased, also 18, recounted finding the body. The friend, who regularly stopped by to wake Anupol up for school, discovered the room locked. Peering through the window, he saw his friend hanging in the bathroom. Initially thinking it was a prank, he attempted to call out but received no response. Upon entering the room, he confirmed the worst.

 

The friend speculated that academic struggles might have contributed to the tragedy. Anupol had been failing several subjects and was at risk of not graduating, a concern that had reportedly weighed heavily on him. He also faced pressure to meet his father's expectations, as his father had promised to send him to study in China if he successfully graduated.

 

A 16-year-old female friend and confidant of the deceased also shared insights into his state of mind. According to her, Anupol had recently expressed anxiety about his academic performance, fearing he would not meet his father's demands in time. She also revealed that Anupol had previously struggled with substance use but had given it up at her request. She did not suspect he would take such a drastic step, as he generally appeared cheerful and outgoing.

 

Another dormitory resident, said she had not heard any unusual activity the night before. She described Anupol as a friendly and lively individual, adding that his death had come as a shock to everyone in the building.

 

Police believe Anupol's death was likely caused by the intense pressure of his academic situation and fear of disappointing his family. His body has been sent to the forensic unit at Udon Thani Central Hospital, and arrangements are being made for his family to collect the remains.

 

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 out help.

 

-- 2025-01-18