Police Corporal Dies by Suicide in Chiang Rai, Highlighting Mental Health Struggles
CHIANG RAI – A police corporal from Chiang Saen Police Station has died by suicide using his service revolver at his grandmother’s home in Mae Sai district. The incident occurred on the afternoon of January 6, 2026, prompting an investigation by local authorities.
Police Corporal Suchakeer Srikaew, aged approximately 30, was found lying on a bed in his grandmother’s residence in Ban Pong Nuea village. Officers arriving at the scene discovered his service-issued 9mm pistol nearby, with a gunshot wound to his right temple.
His mother, Mrs. Saipan Mooltasri, described her son as a kind and well-liked officer who had served for three to four years after graduating from the Lampang 07 police intake. While she acknowledged occasional disagreements with his girlfriend, she said she had not observed obvious warning signs, though she noted he had seemed unusually pensive and had hugged her longer than normal during a recent visit.
His grandmother reported that he had acted normally earlier that day, even joking with her, before she left briefly to run an errand. Upon returning, she discovered him unresponsive and immediately called for assistance.
Broader Context: Mental Health in Thailand
This tragedy occurs amid growing concern over mental health in Thailand. Recent data reveals:
- Over 1.3 million people aged 15+ live with depression
- Approximately 9% of screened individuals are at risk of depression, with 5% at risk of suicide
- Suicide rates have increased by 32% from 2017 to 2022
- In 2024, Thailand recorded 5,217 suicide deaths (approximately 15 per day) and about 34,000 attempts
- Men account for around 80% of suicide deaths and tend to use more lethal methods
Contributing factors include financial pressures, relationship problems, family tensions, and limited access to mental health services, particularly in rural areas. Stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help.
Resources and Support
Thailand has implemented several initiatives to address this crisis, including the National Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2023–2030) and programs like the HOPE Taskforce for early risk detection.
Available resources include:
- Mental Health Hotline 1323: 24/7 confidential support (Department of Mental Health)
- Social Help Centre Hotline 1300: 24/7 general emotional support
- Samaritans of Thailand: 02-713-6793 (Thai, noon–10pm) or message for English callback
- Mental Health Check-In app: For self-assessment and referrals
If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to trusted friends, family, or professionals can be life-saving. Reducing stigma through open conversation remains crucial to addressing Thailand’s mental health challenges.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact a helpline immediately. You are not alone.
