Thai deputy superintendent commits suicide at Bangkok police station

A deputy superintendent tragically committed suicide yesterday at Udomsuk Police Station, in Bangkok. The senior officer’s heartbreaking decision is believed to be driven by a valiant struggle with depression and debilitating congenital diseases.

Police officers on duty heard a gunshot from the second floor of the police station yesterday, September 30, and rushed to investigate. In the office of the deputy superintendent, the body of 44 year old Police Lieutenant Colonel Yosanant Varangkee was found seated in his chair.

Yosanant had a gunshot wound to his right temple, with blood pooling on the floor beneath his chair. His 9mm SIG Sauer pistol was found near his body. The office was immediately sealed off for further investigation.

CCTV footage showed Yosanant arriving at the police station in the morning as usual. He worked in his private office, and a subordinate handed him a document at about 3.15pm.

About 10 minutes after the team member left his office, two police officers working outside heard the gunshot. They were the first to discover his body. Yosanant was alone in his office, no signs of a struggle were found, and no suspicious individuals were seen in the vicinity.

Colleagues described Yosanant as a hardworking person who had served as deputy superintendent at Udomsuk Police Station for two years. He was a respected leader, well-liked by all his colleagues.

Yosanant reportedly had no work-related or financial issues. His salary had been increased and he had no debts. Additionally, Yosanant had a second job as a diving instructor.

Yosanant’s parents were summoned to the police station for questioning. His family revealed that Yosanant suffered from depression and other congenital conditions. They expressed no doubt about the motive behind their son’s suicide.

In a related report, a Thai police officer in the Isaan province of Buriram committed suicide in his car after his wife was arrested for operating a scam that caused losses of over 100 million baht (approximately US$3 million). The deceased officer had maintained his innocence and denied any involvement in his wife’s illegal activities.