Grandmother urges end to bullying after Buriram teen’s death

BURIRAM — A grandmother has pleaded for an end to bullying after her 15-year-old granddaughter took her own life, revealing that the teen had endured frequent mockery from her peers over her weight and hair. The 56-year-old grandmother informed police that the girl had spoken of being made fun of for her weight, which exceeded 80 kilograms, and her curly hair for a period of two to three months.

Concerned about the impact this bullying may have had on her granddaughter’s mental health, the grandmother has called for an end to such behavior. The teenager resided with her father and an eight-year-old brother in Satuek district, following the separation of her parents several years ago. Upon receiving a report of the student’s death at 11:00 on October 24, police arrived at the home with medical personnel and rescue workers.

Initial examination of the body revealed no clear indication of physical assault. The family did not contest the initial handling of the case, and officials proceeded with the necessary procedures before releasing the body to the family for religious rites. The grandmother described her granddaughter as a diligent student and pleaded with people to consider the impact of their words and actions on others.

“People cannot choose how they are born, including their appearance and physical characteristics,” she said, urging the public to demonstrate more empathy and cease making remarks that inflict harm on others. While the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death have not definitively established bullying as the cause, those in Thailand requiring mental health support can reach out to the Department of Mental Health hotline at 1323, which operates 24 hours a day, free of charge, and confidentially.