On July 13, 2025, a school counselor in Ranong Province appealed for assistance for two young students left in financial hardship after their father died by suicide. The plea was made by Ms. Thawanhathai Apiraksaworakorn, a specialist teacher and head of student guidance at Thai Rath Witthaya 97 School (Ban Bang Bon) in Kra Buri District, as the school community came to terms with the sudden loss affecting the family.
The two sisters, one in Mathayom 3 and the other in Prathom 6, were known for their good behavior, academic diligence, and active participation in school activities. They were also members of the student council. The family’s situation turned dire following the unexpected death of their 49-year-old father, Mr. Somsakul, who worked as a laborer and was reportedly under stress related to financial troubles. According to their mother, 47-year-old Mrs. Somboon, the deceased had continued to support the children with small daily allowances, even after separating from her. He had stayed at the house the night before his death and was later found hanged in a storage room on the property.
Reporters visited the family’s modest home at house number 70/2 in Lamliang Subdistrict, where they met with the grieving mother and the school counselor. The counselor, known to students as Kru Noi, offered emotional support and promised to find help for the children, stating that she would do what she could or seek others who could provide assistance. In a symbolic gesture, the counselor hugged the two girls, each leaning on one shoulder, and shared words of encouragement urging them to continue their studies and remain strong. A photograph of the girls holding a Government Savings Bank passbook was taken, showing the account under the name Miss Phattharaphon (No. 0202456986809), for those who wish to contribute directly to their education.
Later that evening, community members gathered at Suwannaratnaram Monastery (Tham Phra Khayang), where the father’s funeral chanting was held. His cremation was scheduled for Monday, July 14, 2025. Locals brought food and donations, and village welfare funds were given to support the girls’ future schooling. Through tears, Mrs. Somboon expressed deep concern for her daughters, revealing that she earns only a small income from selling snacks and depends on borrowed money to make ends meet. She said the father had debts related to his work as a mechanic, and pressure from creditors had likely contributed to his distress.
The school counselor, along with the school community and local residents, remains hopeful that public generosity will help secure a more stable future for the two students.
