SATTAHIP — A 36-year-old man was found dead inside his car in Chonburi province on Thursday afternoon after allegedly taking his own life amid mounting stress over online gambling debts, police said.
At about 14:00 on 9 January 2026, police from Sattahip station were alerted to a death inside a private vehicle parked in front of a house in Sattahip district. Officers, accompanied by rescue workers from the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Foundation, went to the scene.
Police found a white Honda saloon car with Bangkok registration plates parked in a residential parking area. Inside, the body of Wasitphon Phong-ngern, 36, was found lying on the rear seat behind the driver. There were no signs of a struggle or theft.
The man’s girlfriend, relatives and friends later arrived at the scene in visible distress.
His girlfriend, Charinthip Chansawang, 42, told police that he had parked the car outside the house as usual but did not get out. After repeated phone calls went unanswered, she went to check and discovered that he had died.
She said the man had been suffering from serious financial problems linked to online gambling and was burdened with heavy debts, leading to prolonged stress and despair. Family members and close friends said he was hardworking but had been overwhelmed by debt and emotional strain.
Police said a review of the man’s mobile phone found that shortly before his death he had recorded a video wishing his girlfriend a happy birthday. In the message, he apologised and thanked her for everything they had shared together. The video was sent to family members and was believed to be his final message, deeply affecting those who watched it.
An investigating officer said relatives confirmed the man had been under personal stress and severe financial pressure. His girlfriend was invited for further questioning, while the body was sent to Sattahip Hospital for a post-mortem examination before being released to the family for religious rites.
If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress, support services are available. In Thailand, the Samaritans of Thailand can be reached on 02-713-6793 (English) or 02-713-6791 (Thai) or 1323 (Thai).
