Community Death of Former Village Headman’s Assistant – Suspected Suicide After Court Stress

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A former village headman’s assistant was found dead in a remote farm hut in Si Sa Ket province on the morning of the 22 May, with initial findings suggesting suicide following mounting stress over an ongoing court case.

 

At approximately 07:30, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sanga Somsuk, investigation officer at Mueang Si Sa Ket Police Station, received a report of a death in a hut located in the rice fields near Ban Nong Krok, Mueang District. He responded to the scene alongside relevant emergency personnel.

 

Upon arrival, authorities discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Sawai aged 65, lying on the floor of the hut. A gunshot wound was visible on his temples and blood had pooled around the body.

 

Near the right side of the deceased was a 9mm magazine-fed handgun and a single spent shell casing was found under the bed nearby. His wife and children arrived at the scene visibly distraught, struggling to come to terms with the shocking discovery.

 

The deceased’s 34-year-old daughter told police that her father had a routine of leaving for the fields between 04:00 and 05:00. She had been asleep and was unaware of the time he left the house that morning. She added that her father was a quiet man who seldom spoke about his problems. “Last night we were still having dinner together,” she said. “He didn’t mention anything troubling. I have no idea why he would do something like this.”

 

A local source informed reporters that the deceased had legally purchased the firearm years ago while serving as a headman’s assistant. The source further revealed that Mr. Sawai had recently attended a court hearing on 20 May regarding allegations of local government corruption. It is believed the case may have contributed significantly to his stress.

 

Those close to him said he had previously expressed suicidal thoughts, though none believed he would act on them.

 

Police are continuing their investigation, though initial evidence suggests suicide. If no objections are raised by the family, the body will be released for funeral 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.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-23.

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]