Old Thai man commits suicide after love triangle dispute

A 73 year old Thai man committed suicide in the Mae Sai district of the northern province of Chiang Rai, following a bizarre love triangle and an argument with his legal wife and children.

Koh Chang Police Station officers received a report of the man’s suicide, identified as Lai, at his home in the Mae Sai district. They coordinated with the Phra Khru Phitak Promwihan Rescue Foundation, who were dispatched to the scene. Lai was found hanging from a beam in the house.

Neighbours and locals gathered around the house to observe the rescue team’s efforts and to learn more about the motive behind Lai’s decision to take his own life.

Lai’s 72 year old wife, whose name was not disclosed, revealed that she was the first to discover her husband’s lifeless body. She admitted they argued the day before, as a result of his affair with another woman, who was around 70 years old.

The wife stated that she and her children were angry with Lai for selling gold rings and other valuables, worth over 120,000 baht, to support his mistress. He gave all the money to the woman, causing the family to fall into financial ruin.

Despite repeated pleas from his wife and children to stop, Lai ignored their requests. His wife recounted telling him, “Don’t you feel ashamed, having children all over the community?”

She believed her words hurt him deeply, leading him to take his own life. Police arrived at the scene and concluded that the cause of death was suicide, as there were no signs of struggle or foul play.

In a related incident, a Thai woman in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, attempted suicide by walking into traffic, hoping to be hit by cars. Fortunately, she sustained only minor injuries. The woman explained that she wanted to end her life due to the stress of being unable to choose between two men in a love triangle.

Another tragic incident was reported in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan in March, where two Thai women were found dead in a bedroom. Police suspect they committed suicide together, driven by a love affair and jealousy.

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.