Police investigate apparent gun suicide in Phuket Town
POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING the death of a 43-year-old manager of a car detailing centre in Phuket Town by apparent gun suicide last Saturday night (Oct 14).
Police were called to the scene, on Viraponghongyok Rd, north of the Nimit Circle (also called the ‘Seahorse Circle’) on the east side of Phuket Town, at about 8:10pm, reported Phuket Info Center.
Pol Lt Surachai Watitsuphaphol of the Phuket City Police soon arrived at the scene, joined by Phuket City Police Chief Pol Col Pratuang Pholmana and rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Foundation.
Officers arrived to find the body of the man, Supachai Panya on the floor of the bathroom at the centre. He had suffered a single gunshot to the head. A .45-calibre Glock handgun was found on the floor nearby.
Officers found no sign of a struggle at the scene, and no signs of theft.
Mr Supachai was believed to have died no more than one hour before officers arrived. His body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.
From their preliminary investigation, police said that Mr Supachai had been drinking beer. He had an argument with his girlfriend and left his house to go to the car detailing centre, where he worked as manager, alone.
The shop was closed for the day, but Mr Supachai let himself in as he had keys to the workplace, officers said.
His girlfriend’s younger brother had come to see Mr Supachai at the shop, but found him dead on the floor, officers said.
Mr Supachai was reportedly known for suffering from depression, police added.
However, police noted they are continuing their investigation.
If you or anyone you know is in need of emotional support and counseling, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand at their 24-hour hotline at 02-113-6789 (English & Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). The Phuket News