BANGKOK– A 21-year-old man set himself alight at a bus stop on Phahon Yothin Road in Bangkok on Tuesday, shocking people on the pavement and drivers on the road. The incident took place at about 10 am outside the Land Development Department in Chatuchak.
Footage from a nearby security camera showed the man, whose name has not been disclosed, standing behind the shelter with a large container holding a liquid believed to be petrol. He poured the liquid over himself, then used a lighter to ignite it.
The Bangkok Post reported that he moved around while burning, alarming two university students at the stop, then ran into the traffic and collapsed beneath the Senanikom BTS Station.
The sudden scene startled drivers. A motorcyclist lost control, fell, and was hurt. Emergency teams took both the rider and the injured man to Paolo Hospital. A witness told police the man had argued with someone on the phone shortly before the fire. His mother said he had been having trouble with his girlfriend in recent days.
Self-immolation in Thailand is rare but has occurred sporadically, often linked to personal despair, debt, or protest against systemic issues.
In August, a young man, facing personal stress (details limited), set himself on fire in a public space. Limited media coverage suggests it was a suicide attempt amid emotional turmoil. In February 2021, a man with heart disease self-immolates at a temple; he left Facebook messages citing his inability to continue living.
Male Emotional and Mental Health in Thailand
In Thailand, men’s emotional and mental health often receives too little attention. Cultural expectations prize stoicism, so men are expected to appear strong, calm, and in control. This pressure discourages open talk about distress, which keeps many problems hidden.
Depression and anxiety are common among Thai men. Research indicates rates similar to women, yet men seek help less often. Stigma and the urge to tough it out mean many carry on in silence. Money worries increase strain in rural areas, where men often provide for families. In cities, job insecurity, long hours, and isolation feed anxiety and burnout.
Substance use, especially alcohol and methamphetamine, is a serious concern. Drinking is widely accepted, and heavy drinking can be treated as a sign of masculinity. This can hide deeper pain, as some men turn to alcohol or drugs to cope. Data from the National Statistical Office of Thailand shows men binge drink more than women, which links to higher depression and suicide risk.
Suicide rates among men remain high. The World Health Organization reports that men make up most suicides in Thailand . Rigid gender roles and limited services leave many without support. Rural regions face a shortage of mental health professionals, and some men turn to traditional healers instead of counsellors or psychologists.
Efforts to improve the situation are growing, but progress is uneven. Public health campaigns and the Department of Mental Health work to reduce stigma, yet awareness is still low.
Targeted support for men, such as peer groups and workplace programmes, remains scarce. Meaningful change calls for culturally aware services, easier access to counselling, and education that normalizes honest emotional expression. Breaking the silence means replacing old stereotypes with acceptance, so men feel safe to ask for help.
