Contractor found dead in Thai police cell after truck theft arrest
A 32 year old contractor was found dead today in a holding cell at Phra Samut Chedi Police Station.
The victim, identified as Donrathee, was reportedly distressed after facing charges for stealing a pickup truck, leading to his tragic death. His 51 year old mother, Saravee, was seen grieving at the scene.
The incident occurred within the male detention area, where Donrathee was discovered hanging from a ventilation duct. He was wearing a black t-shirt and blue three-quarter jeans.
Emergency services, including the prosecutor’s office and medical staff from Phra Samut Chedi Swatayannond Hospital, were notified promptly to handle the situation.
Donrathee had been apprehended by officers at Mueang Chon Buri Police Station on March 4 for allegedly stealing a Toyota Revo pickup truck from a residential area in the In Klong Bang Pla Kot subdistrict, Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan province.
He reportedly borrowed the truck under the pretext of purchasing supplies for home renovations but failed to return it. The owner, suspecting foul play, reported the incident to Phra Samut Chedi Police Station after losing contact with him.
The vehicle was eventually tracked via GPS and located in Chon Buri province. Police in the area were alerted and successfully intercepted Donrathee along with the stolen vehicle at the Thetsaban Niwet intersection in Mueang Chon Buri district.
He was then detained and transferred to Phra Samut Chedi police station, where he was to be brought before the court later that morning, reported KhaoSod.
Officials, including police, prosecutors, and medical examiners, conducted a preliminary examination of the scene.
The body was subsequently handed over to Ruamkatanyu Foundation personnel for transport to the Police General Hospital’s forensic institute for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The family has been informed to arrange traditional 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 help.
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