- Photo by B. Rosen
American Lawrence J. Wheeler, 57, was found dead in his house in Panawan Village, Sansai after authorities received a call that a man had committed suicide.
According to Wheeler’s friend he had suffered from diabetes and heart disease and planned to take his life after spending five million baht in Chiang Mai.
Wheeler was known by his screen name “Ajarn” where he contributed by posting to popular web boards in. Thailand. Many posters on Thaivisa remembered him fondly .
He used a can of helium and a plastic bag, also known as an exit bag, to choke himself. According to Chiang Mai City News, this method of suicide is common among people who suffer from diseases as they can force themselves to inhale a gas like helium, nitrogen, or carbon monoxide. The process causes the person to first lose consciousness and is similar to going to sleep.
Police found a note left by Wheeler stating that he was tired of living with his ailments. He had previously been a teacher as well as a writer on his own website AsiaRecipe.com. Posts on his website detail his struggle with his limiting physical condition and plans for his future death stating “I feel it is my right to die by my own choice.”
{ 0 comments… add one now }