Medical student found dead in car in Songkhla, academic stress cited
2026-03-18 - 02:50
SONGKHLA — 17 March 2026, A fourth-year medical student was found dead inside a car in Hat Yai on Tuesday evening, in what police believe was a suicide linked to academic stress. Police were called to a roadside lane off Thung Ree–Khok Wat Road in Kho Hong subdistrict at 18:30, where they found a white Honda Accord with its engine and air conditioning running. Inside, officers discovered the body of a 26-year-old student from Prince of Songkla University, seated in the driver’s seat. Forensic officers and a duty doctor from Songklanagarind Hospital conducted a preliminary examination and found no signs of assault. The student is believed to have died from smoke inhalation, with the time of death estimated at no more than 12 hours prior. Residents told police the car had been parked with its engine running since around midnight. By late afternoon, it remained in the same spot, with heat emanating from the vehicle. Due to the dark window tint, it was difficult to see inside the vehicle. Authorities said the student’s parents had reported him missing earlier that morning after being unable to contact him. Police, working with the student’s friends, searched the area around his accommodation before locating the car. Investigators believe the student had been under stress after failing two courses. He reportedly left a note addressed to his parents the night before, after which contact was lost around 22:00 on 16 March. The parents travelled from Saraburi after being unable to contact him, prompting a search with police and the student’s friends. Authorities noted that the student had previously attempted to take his own life, and that his family had been monitoring his condition. The body has been sent to Songklanagarind Hospital for a detailed autopsy before being released to relatives for religious rites. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact the Samaritans of Thailand hotline at 02-713-6791 (English) or 1323 (Thai mental health hotline), available 24 hours.