Thai police colonel commits suicide in Uthai Thani

A high-ranking Thai police officer committed suicide yesterday evening, sparking an investigation into the circumstances that led to the drastic move.

The incident, involving Police Colonel Kosol Jaipechdee, took place at a busy intersection in Uthai Thani province, directly in front of a well-known shopping complex.

The provincial police chief, Major General Narongdech Saksumboon, visited the scene to oversee the investigation. It was revealed that the deceased was the Director of Operations for the Uthai Thani Provincial Police and had a history of depression. Before the incident, he had dinner with his wife and afterwards made a call to her, asking her to take care of their children. He then shot himself.

Pol. Col. Kosol, who had no known issues at work, submitted a resignation letter last month, expressing a desire to pursue a personal business venture. His resignation had not yet been processed, and he had recently requested to withdraw it and return to service, despite his ongoing battle with depression.

In his resignation, he mentioned a personal ambition to open a jewellery store, and those close to him knew him to be a private individual.

Maj. Gen. Narongdech expressed the following in a statement.

“I am profoundly shocked by the tragic incident involving Police Colonel Kosol Jaipechdee. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

The event has cast a spotlight on the mental health challenges faced by members of the police force, prompting discussions on the need for better support systems for those in the service dealing with psychological issues. The sudden loss of Kosol has left colleagues and family members in a state of mourning and has raised questions about the pressures and strains that police officers face, reported KhaoSod.

Reflecting on his colleague, a fellow officer gave the following statement.

“He was a dedicated officer, and his untimely death is a loss to the force and the community.”

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.