Watching last night there were two stories that made me think. Both were Thai's who committed suicide.
The first was a man who left a note saying he didn't have money to travel home to Issan and couldn't support his family. He hung himself from the rafter of a garage where he worked. The second was a young woman married to a Swedish guy who apparently hung herself in the shower over gambling debts.
I want to talk about #1, as #2 could be complicated as to reasons stated by her husband. #2 they are treating as suspicious if the husband perhaps helped her along.
Anyway, we see suicide in the west but I've never seen it there caused by the simple problems #1 had. Western suicides are much more complicated as to cause. Yes, depression is a common factor there and here. However, the degree of depression #1 was going through could have been resolved by some kind hearted co-workers who had any sympathy at all. His note, and what he told other workers, was more about him missing his family than not being able to provide for them. He basically killed himself over the cost of a bus ticket home.
This takes me back to the many who practice Buddhism here, but don't really practice it except to show a face at the Wat on holy days. Where was their kindness and understanding. If that was lacking, at least a word to a higher up manager that the man was unbalanced could have helped.
I don't know where I'm going with this post except to say if we and our Thai families can wade through the con artist beggers and the like, and we really come upon a needy person here who is badly depressed, we have to try to help them. Us farangs won't spot it often but our Thai wives and family can. I think we should tell to them to talk to us if they notice this problem with anyone, even a total stranger. Like I said above, 1,000 baht probably would have saved this man's life and his kids would still have a Father. Think about what they are now going through.
Pete
