Man with Depression Takes Own Life in Front of Onlookers

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A 28-year-old man suffering from depression ended his life by jumping into a river near the 120-Year Bridge in Mueang Prachin Buri on the night of 23 March. His three-months-pregnant girlfriend was left devastated at the scene.

 

 

At 21:30, police from Mueang Prachin Buri Police Station received a report from the Sawang Bamphen Rescue Foundation that a man had jumped into the water near the 120-Year Bridge in front of the district office on Tesaban Damri Road. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene.

 

Upon arrival, officers found a red Honda Click motorcycle parked approximately 100 metres from the bridge, with its key still in the ignition. A black-and-white shoulder bag, a mobile phone, and an ID card belonging to Mr. Dulayawat Konngern, 28, of Ban Phra Subdistrict, Mueang Prachin Buri, were discovered nearby. Shortly after, the victim’s mother and pregnant girlfriend arrived at the scene, lighting incense sticks to pray for his spirit.

 

The deceased’s girlfriend, who had been in a relationship with him for two years, revealed that he had long suffered from depression. She stated that his condition had worsened in recent months. Just a month ago, he had attempted to jump into the river but was talked out of it. On the night of the incident, the couple had a minor argument, after which he left and headed to the bridge.

 

A local fisherman, Mr. Boonlert, described hearing a loud scream followed by a splash but initially thought it was a fish. He had noticed a group of people talking on the bridge before one of them suddenly jumped. Another witness, Mr. Pawarit, 23, who was fishing for shrimp nearby, said the victim asked whether the water was deep before leaping in without hesitation.

 

“I saw him surface briefly and tried to encourage him to swim towards the shore,” Mr. Pawarit said, “but he struggled and disappeared underwater within minutes.”

 

Rescue divers searched for over 30 minutes before recovering Mr. Dulayawat’s body. His grieving mother and girlfriend broke down in tears as his remains were brought ashore.

 

Authorities transported the body to Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital before handing it over to the family for religious rites.

 

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.

 

 

-- 2025-03-25

 

[Georgealbert]