BANGKOK – Police have recovered the body of a 46-year-old woman from Chiang Rai after she jumped to her death into the Chao Phraya River from the Krung Thon Bridge. She left a farewell suicide note saying goodbye to everyone.
At 11:32 a.m. on 7 Nov. 2025, Pol. Sub-Lt. Narathip Somyen, an investigator at Pak Khlong San Police Station, received a report of a woman’s body floating in the Chao Phraya River near the pier at Wat Thong Thammachat in Khlong San, Bangkok.
He arrived with a forensic physician from Siriraj Hospital and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation to examine the scene.
Officers found a middle‑aged woman wearing a black T‑shirt and black shorts, barefoot, with fair skin and long hair. She stood about 150 centimetres tall. The initial estimate placed the time of death at more than 48 hours.
CCTV footage from the Krung Thon Bridge showed a woman in the same clothing walking alone on the night of 5 November from about 7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., which was the night of Loy Krathong.
Chiang Rai Woman Spotted on Bridge
According to investigators, she walked on the bridge before dropping into the Chao Phraya River. A black shoulder bag was recovered at the scene. Inside was a national ID card naming Ms. Sasiya (surname withheld), 46, from Chiang Rai, and a farewell note.
The letter said she was tired of the world and of life, that poor health had kept her from working, and ended with a goodbye to everyone.
She added a request for relatives and anyone willing to help to have her body cremated at Wat Ratprakhongtham without any ceremony, since the temple provides free cremation. Contact phone numbers were written in full.
Later, her relatives from Chiang Rai arrived at the pier under the Memorial Bridge and, through tears, confirmed the body was hers.
Family members said she had left her home in Chiang Rai to work in Bangkok. Her health had recently declined, she could no longer work, and her income fell, which led her to end her suffering.
A preliminary examination by the forensic team found no wounds or signs of assault. The body will be sent for a detailed autopsy, then released to the family for religious rites.
Suicide Prevention Hotlines in Thailand
Thailand reports one of the highest suicide rates in Southeast Asia. Recent World Health Organization data points to about 8.8 deaths per 100,000 people each year. The true rate is likely higher, as stigma and cultural beliefs can lead to underreporting.
Mental health problems linked to money stress, family conflict, and alcohol or drug use are key factors. The risk is higher among working-age men in rural provinces, where access to counselling and clinical care is still limited.
Buddhist teachings discourage suicide, and some deaths are recorded as accidents, which hides the scale of the issue. Even so, prevention work is growing. Community projects and school programmes that teach emotional skills are starting to help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or heavy distress, reach out now. These services are free, confidential, and there to help. Many run 24 hours, but times can vary by area. For emergencies in Thailand, call 191 for police or 1669 for ambulance support.
Here are key hotlines drawn from trusted sources:
Hotline Name
Phone Number
Language
Availability
Additional Notes
Mental Health Hotline (Department of Mental Health)
1323
Thai (English support available via chat/online)
24/7
Offers phone and online chat support for suicide prevention, anxiety, depression, and crisis intervention. Integrated with social media for reporting risks.
Social Help Center Hotline
1300
Thai
24/7
Provides confidential support and information on mental health, family issues, and suicide.
Samaritans of Thailand (Bangkok)
02-713-6793
Thai
Daily, 12:00–22:00
Emotional support and suicide prevention.
Samaritans of Thailand (English Line)
02-713-6791
English
24/7 (callback service within 24 hours)
For non-Thai speakers, dedicated English support.
Samaritans of Thailand (Chiang Mai)
053-225-977/8
Thai
Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat; 19:00–22:00
Regional support in northern Thailand.
Childline Thailand (Youth Mental Health)
02-641-8444
Thai
Hours vary; check website
Focused on youth suicide prevention and mental health.
Hope Taskforce (via Mental Health Hotline)
Report via 1323
Thai/English
24/7
Collaborates with influencers and psychologists for crisis intervention; has assisted over 600 cases.
Jeff Tomas is an award winning journalist known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense reporting style. Over the years he has worked for Reuters and the Canadian Press covering everything from political scandals to human interest stories. He brings a clear and direct approach to his work.