‘Depression’ no excuse for road rage
Psychiatrists weigh in on viral clips
Psychiatrists said a high-profile road rage incident on Wednesday in which a young overseas-educated Thai criticised fellow Thais, earning the displeasure of a large crowd who gathered outside the police station where he was charged, was unlikely to have been a symptom of depression as the perpetrator declared.
But they added that while the driver’s mental health claim remains to be proved, those offended by his tirade against the nation and the monarchy should refrain from retaliating or violating his rights.
The media and public critics should stop delving into the driver’s personal life and instead give him some sympathy, said Yongyud Wongpiromsarn, an adviser to the Mental Health Department.
Any person, regardless of whether they suffer a mental illness, can lose their temper, which underlines the importance of anger management as a life skill, said the doctor.
“A mental problem should never be cited to explain why someone behaved badly to others, as doing so can lead to more discrimination against mental patients,” said Kiattibhoom Vongrachit, director-general of the department.
A probe by mental health experts will be required to find out if the driver is suffering from a mental disorder as claimed and also whether his illness really was to blame for the road rage, said Burin Suraaroonsamrit, a fellow psychiatrist in the department.
In the viral video clip of the incident, the driver appears extremely angry, confused and violent, said the doctor. That could develop into a mental illness if left untreated.
“However, mental illness cannot always be cited as a reason to acquit someone of wrongdoing,” he said.
Rachata Wang it charoensuk, 24, made headlines after Nanthawat Kamolrum posted photos and two video clips on his “To Jetdo” Facebook page of the incident on Wednesday.
The pair became embroiled in a dispute on Utthayan (Aksa) Road, in Thawi Wattana district of Bangkok. Mr Rachata lost his temper after his Honda Civic collided with a pickup driven by Mr Nanthawat, 22.
Mr Rachata made negative remarks about the monarchy at least twice in the clips.
Both went viral, garnering 18 million and almost 6 million views by yesterday afternoon, along with an outpouring of criticism on social media.
Kasa Development, a real estate company, posted a Facebook message on Wednesday saying Mr Rachata had been fired.
The matter did not end there as about 500 people gathered outside Buddha Monthon police station where he was being questioned on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Thais Protecting the Monarchy yesterday filed a lese majeste complaint against Mr Rachata with the Crime Suppression Division.
He and his family have apologised to the public for his behaviour.
Police are gathering evidence to back the defamation and assault charges against Mr Rachata.