Veerakarn's son commits suicide

The 31-year-old jumped to his death from his flat on the 9th floor of a luxury condo in Bangkok on Wednesday night. 

“I should have visited him before that,” a tearful Veerakarn said yesterday. 

The former chair of United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship admitted that he knew his son was having problems with his relationship, but never thought that things had become so serious. 

“I asked my wife to call him and tell him to come home on Wednesday, that I was waiting for him,” Veerakarn said. “In fact, I should have gone to him. Now, I feel it’s all my fault”. 

Prachatip had been dating a female singer. 

Veerakarn confirmed that the woman had contacted the family following his son’s death, but refused to identify her, saying it may affect her adversely. “My son loved her a lot,” Veerakarn said.

In his suicide note, the late guitarist described his girlfriend as the best woman, and that he was proud to be her partner. 

Nattawut Saikua, one of the red-shirt leaders, accompanied the family to Chulalongkorn Hospital, where Prachatip’s body was prepared for funeral rites. In a Facebook post, Nattawut described Prachatip as cheerful, polite and artistic. “I love you. Rest in peace,” the post read.

The funeral rites for Prachatip, who is survived by his parents and two brothers, will be held at Wat That Thong. – SUPACHAI PHETTEWEE, |THE NATION