Thai police officer commits suicide over loan guarantee for friend

An officer from Samrong Police Station in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani committed suicide at his welfare home yesterday, September 8, after a friend for whom he had guaranteed a loan died, leaving him to bear the debt.

Officers from Samrong Police Station rushed to a welfare home behind the station to investigate the death of 55 year old Police Colonel Nattapong Sipaengmon. A medical team from Samrong Hospital, along with rescuers from the Sawang Bucha Dham Foundation, were also called to the scene.

Nattapong was found lifeless in the kitchen at the back of his welfare house, having shot himself in the head with a 9mm Sig Sauer pistol. The bullet travelled from the right temple to the left. There were no signs of a struggle or any evidence of foul play at the scene.

Nattapong’s wife, Yupa Sipaengmon, informed the investigating team that she left home for a nearby market every day at around 3am and usually returned by 5am. On the day of the incident, she followed her usual routine and returned home to find the tragic scene.

Yupa revealed that she attempted to save her husband and called other police officers living in nearby welfare houses for help but her efforts were in vain.

She stated that Nattapong was always cheerful and never complained about his work. The couple had not had any serious conflicts for a long time. The only issue Yupa suspected might have led to his suicide was the debt related to his friend’s loan.

According to Yupa, Nattapong had guaranteed a significant loan for a friend. Sadly, the friend passed away without repaying the loan, leaving Nattapong responsible for the debt.

Yupa mentioned that she had not noticed any signs of suicidal thoughts. Nattapong had recently been promoted to a higher position but had postponed accepting the promotion, which she believed was due to the financial burden.

Superintendent Siripong Pengjam of Samrong Police Station expressed his condolences, noting that Nattapong was a key team member who had played an important role in many significant tasks and had contributed greatly to the station.

Nattapong had also lectured on traffic law, educating locals, and worked hard to secure funding for the renovation of several police booths in the province.

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.