Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A shocking scene unfolded on the morning of 2 May, at a playground in the Wang Thonglang district of Bangkok, as a loud gunshot drew the attention of nearby residents. Rushing to the site, witnesses were horrified to discover the lifeless body of an 80-year-old man seated slumped forward on a bench, having suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

 

Police and forensic teams arrived at the scene shortly after 10:30, led by Pol. Lt. Kritsada Sangsimma, an investigator from Wang Thonglang Police Station. They were accompanied by forensic officers, medical examiners from the Police General Hospital, and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation.

 

The deceased, identified only as Mr. A, was wearing a red sleeveless vest and white shorts. A .38 calibre revolver was found on the ground beside him and has been collected as evidence.

 

Initial enquiries revealed that the man had a routine of taking morning walks in the area. Lately, however, he had appeared to be in declining health. Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot from the rear of the park before finding the victim.

 

Relatives told police that the man had frequently complained of abdominal pain but had refused to seek medical attention. Investigators suspect ongoing health problems may have contributed to what they believe was a suicide.

 

The body has been taken for a post-mortem examination at the Police General Hospital. Authorities have requested the family to coordinate arrangements for religious rites following the autopsy.

 

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.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-03.