Phuket car detailing centre manager’s suspected suicide under investigation

Phuket police are currently probing the apparent suicide of a 43 year old man who managed a car detailing centre in Phuket Town. Supachai Panya’s lifeless body was discovered on Saturday night at around 8.10pm on Viraponghongyok Road, north of the Nimit Circle, also known as the Seahorse Circle, on the east side of Phuket Town.

Upon receiving the distress call, Phuket City Police’s Police Lieutenant Surachai Watitsuphaphol promptly arrived at the scene, accompanied by Phuket City Police Chief Police Colonel Pratuang Pholmana and Kusoldharm Foundation’s rescue workers.

The deceased, Supachai Panya, was found lying on the bathroom floor of the centre where he worked. A gunshot wound to the head and a nearby .45-calibre Glock handgun suggested a tragic end to his life. The police reported no signs of a scuffle or theft at the scene.

Supachai’s time of death was estimated to be approximately one hour before the officers’ arrival. His remains were then transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

The initial findings suggested that Supachai had been consuming beer before the incident. He had reportedly engaged in a dispute with his girlfriend and subsequently left their shared home to visit his workplace, despite it being closed for the day. Supachai, having access to the centre’s keys, entered the premises alone.

The grim discovery of Supachai’s body was made by his girlfriend’s younger brother, who had dropped by the shop to visit him. Police reports indicate that Supachai was known to be battling depression.

Despite the evidence leading towards suicide, the police emphasised that their investigation is still ongoing, reported Phuket News.

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.

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