An Australian man has died while in police custody in Phuket, after being arrested for being drunk and disorderly. The Phuket Express reports that Patong Police arrested the unnamed 29 year old (reported as 31 years old in other media) on Sunday night, April 23, for being intoxicated and causing a public nuisance. He was found hanged in his cell the following day.
Patong Police say the man was being held in a cell by himself, on the second floor of the police station. It’s understood that officers were waiting for him to sober up before questioning him. However, he was found hanged in his cell at around noon the following day, Monday, April 24. According to the report, the man had used part of his clothing to hang himself.
Police say they have CCTV footage that shows the man acted alone and nobody else is implicated in his death. It’s understood the Australian had mental health struggles and was suffering from depression.
The Phuket Express reports that he had also previously had interactions with law enforcement in Phuket, having argued with and allegedly attacked his girlfriend at a Patong hotel.
The man’s name is being withheld until the Australian embassy and his family have been notified.
If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, the Samaritans of Thailand can be contacted 24 hours a day on the following hotline numbers: 02 713 6791 (English) and 02 713 6793 (Thai). The Thai Mental Health Hotline can be reached on 1323 (Thai).
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
