A TEEN who was one of 12 boys rescued from a Thai cave took his own life while at a football academy in the UK, an inquest heard.
Duangphet Phromthep, 17, was found unconscious in his dormitory at Brooke House College in Market Harborough, Leicestershire.
He was rushed to hospital but sadly couldn’t be saved and died two days later on Valentine’s Day.
An inquest into his death heard how Duangphet was “not known to mental health services”.
Professor Catherine Mason, senior coroner for Leicester City and South Leicestershire, said it is not clear “why he took the actions that he did”.
Ruling a verdict of suicide, she added: “It could not have been foreseen or prevented.
“The police investigation has found no evidence of third-party involvement or suspicious circumstances.”
Duangphet, known as Dan, was born in Thailand, with his mum Thanapron Phromthep previously making a plea for his “body and soul” to be taken back to the country.
She added: “We’re all so shocked but we have to accept what has happened and pray for him.”
Duangphet was the captain of the Wild Boars when they became trapped along with their coach after venturing into the Tham Luang caves in June 2018.
Monsoon flooding cut off their escape and prevented rescuers from finding them for almost ten days.
The world was gripped as a team of 90 expert divers – 40 from Thailand and 50 from overseas – battled to get them out safely in a three-day rescue mission.
Duangpetch had posted on social media last Autumn revealing his “dream” to study football in the UK had come true.
He shared photos of his time in Britain as he thanked the academy and Chico foundation for his scholarship.
After the heartbreaking news of his death was revealed, tributes flooded in for the youngster.
Prachak Sutham, one of the boys rescued in 2018, wrote: “The 13 of us have been through a lot of things together, sadness, happiness, risk of death and many difficulties together.
“You told me to wait and see when you join the national team. I always believed that you can do it.
“When we met last time before going to England, I still told you jokingly that I have to ask for your signature when I come back.
“Rest in peace, my friend. We will always be 13 of us.”
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
Titan Chanin Viboonrungruang, another of the 12 boys, wrote: “Brother, you told me that we would be achieving our football dream… if the next world is real, I want us to play football together again, my brother Dom.”
Brooke House College Principal Ian Smith said the tragedy had left the community “deeply saddened and shaken”.
He added: “We unite in grief with all of Dom’s family, friends, former teammates and those involved in all parts of his life, as well as everyone affected in any way by this loss in Thailand and throughout the college’s global family.
“The college is liaising with statutory authorities and the Royal Thai Embassy in London, and dedicating all resources to assist our student body, as they as young people process Dom’s passing.
“Beyond that, we are unable to comment further at this time and would ask for privacy and compassion as we continue to support the students in our care, drawing on the kindness and assistance of the Market Harborough community.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
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