A heated altercation unfolded yesterday when a middle-aged Thai man, under the influence of alcohol, aggressively slapped a dead friend’s body in the eastern province of Chanthaburi, causing chaos and prompting police intervention.
The incident occurred at 1pm, yesterday, November 6, when the police were alerted to a suicide in a local forest.
Police Lieutenant Panida Julphak, along with forensic doctors and rescue workers, responded to reports of a man found hanging from a tree in the forest area of Village 11, Plubpla subdistrict, Mueang district, Chanthaburi province.
The deceased, known only as A, was a 56 year old resident of Amnat Charoen province. While awaiting further investigation by police and medical personnel, a former colleague of the deceased stormed onto the scene, slapping the corpse’s face with a loud sound that drew the attention of nearby workers, who rushed to intervene.
The man’s drunken, erratic behaviour continued as he grabbed the deceased’s hair, shouting obscenities, which prompted the rescue workers and a village headman’s assistant to warn him to keep his distance to prevent contamination of the crime scene evidence.
The man who discovered the body, 45 year old Bhasan Phanruang, shared that the deceased had previously worked at a souvenir shop near the location but had been unemployed for approximately a year.
This was due to frequent arguments with his wife, who recently left to return to her relatives, leaving him distraught. The deceased had often confided in friends about the stress and hardships he was facing in life.
Bhasan recounted walking from work through the forest to his accommodation and happened upon a blanket hanging from a tree. He initially thought someone was hunting birds until he noticed the stillness and approached closer, only to be shocked to find his close friend had taken his own life.
The man who intruded upon the scene and assaulted the corpse was identified as a former coworker and drinking companion of the deceased. The previous night, a heated argument had erupted between them during a drinking session, after which they parted ways.
Upon learning of his friend’s suicide, the man, unable to control his emotions, impulsively attacked the body. Officials at the scene warned him that unauthorised entry and tampering with evidence could result in legal repercussions, reported KhaoSod.
“Entering a crime scene without permission, especially if not a related officer, can lead to charges of tampering with evidence.”
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 help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why might individuals react violently in situations of grief and loss?
Intense emotions like guilt or anger can override rational thinking, leading to impulsive actions during grief.
How can communities better support individuals dealing with unemployment and relationship breakdowns?
By providing access to counselling, social services, and community support programs to alleviate stress and isolation.
What if authorities implemented stricter regulations on crime scene management?
This could enhance evidence integrity and potentially deter unauthorised interference but may require more resources.
How does alcohol influence decision-making in emotionally charged situations?
Alcohol impairs judgment and can exacerbate emotional responses, leading to actions one might not otherwise take.
What role do friends play in recognising signs of emotional distress in others?
Friends are often first to notice changes and can encourage seeking help or provide support to those struggling.
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