Frenchman commits suicide amidst financial woes in Chon Buri

A Frenchman dressed in Thai-style clothing committed suicide near a temple in Chon Buri province due to his financial difficulties. His Thai ex-wife revealed that he refused to return to France because of his deep love for Thailand.

Officers from Sattahip Police Station were alerted to the incident at approximately 12.30pm yesterday, November 20. The man’s body was discovered near the entrance to Mai Yoo Sa-ngat Temple in Bang Sare sub-district, Sattahip district, Chon Buri province.

The deceased, identified as 52 year old French national Stéphane Marcel, was found wearing a Thai-style shirt and trousers. He reportedly hanged himself from a tree with a rope. Nearby, police recovered his tote bag but no valuables were found inside.

Marcel’s 49 year old ex-wife, Jirachaya, arrived at the scene after hearing the news. She informed police that the couple divorced two years ago. Following the divorce, Marcel asked to stay at the house he bought for her during their relationship.

According to Jirachaya, they lived together as friends for about a year after the divorce. She noted that Marcel was struggling financially which might have been the cause of his suicide.

Jirachaya decided to sell the house so they could split the proceeds, which would help alleviate his financial difficulties but no buyer had yet been found.

Jirachaya revealed that she previously urged Marcel to return to France and live with his family but he refused, stating that he loved living in Thailand. She added that he was deeply attached to the country and often wore traditional Thai clothing, just like what he wore on the last day of his life.

Police reported to ThaiRath that Marcel had previously harmed himself with a knife in December last year, also due to financial stress.

The police are now working to contact Marcel’s family in France to arrange for the repatriation of his body for the funeral.

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.