Mother and daughter found drowned in Uthai Thani in tragic suicide

A tragic incident unfolded in Uthai Thani province when a 30 year old woman and her 3 year old daughter were found drowned in a pond yesterday, around 9am. The event was reported to Ban Rai Police Station by Village Chief, Winai Khamkrongkaew. Authorities, including Nathakit Nithichatcharoenkun, an Investigative Officer from Ban Rai Police Station, and a rescue team rushed to the site in Khlong Chan Charoen village, Nong Chok Sub-district.

The pond, approximately 6 metres deep and covering 400 square metres, held the shocking sight of two floating bodies – a mother and her daughter. A suicide note was discovered on a basket near the deceased’s motorcycle, expressing her despair before she took her life and that of her 3 year old daughter.

The medical examiner from Ban Rai Hospital found no signs of struggle on the bodies. The estimated time of death was two days prior, around November 9, based on when the bodies surfaced.

The suicide note revealed that the mother felt trapped by her circumstances, with mounting debts and an inability to earn enough for her basic needs. It portrayed a woman who felt like a burden, disheartened and exhausted, who saw death as a means to spare herself and her daughter from further suffering, reported Sanook.

She left instructions for the funeral expenses and stated clearly that she did not want her husband to be involved in any of the rituals.

On questioning the 32 year old husband, known as Ooy, he revealed that the couple had argued on November 8, after a family meal out. The next morning, his wife left with their daughter and never returned. Despite their history of disagreements typically resulting in his wife leaving home for a day, Ooy did not anticipate the tragic outcome of this episode.

Winai disclosed that this was not the deceased’s first suicide attempt. Villagers had previously intervened to save her life. The suicide note shed light on her struggles with her husband’s substance abuse and drinking problems, which often led to arguments. Furthermore, she was under stress due to debts owed to villagers.

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.