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Have you ever encountered someone with mental health issues while living in Thailand?
Mental HealthTourismBangkok ExperiencesSafety in ThailandExpat LifeCultural DifferencesStreet Encounters
Jul 1, 2022
4 years ago
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello everyone.
I just have a concern not related to Thailand Visa. Instead about an unusual experience I just had while walking along Sukhumvit Road today. I thought it was just a tourist scam but it wasn't at all.
I've been staying in Bangkok for almost 2 years now, but this is the first time I encountered this. I went out to but some fruits but it suddenly rained so hard a while ago. I went under the shade, and there was a lady (who looked like a tourist) with a luggage/bag sitting nearby. But she suddenly came closer to me and started to take a video of the roof above me. Then she started saying "it's for the police, there are "spies" walking around, etc."
I was creeped out and just left the shade. I bought my fruits and after 5 mins., I had to walk back home, and I still saw her sitting there, even when the rain has stopped. Then she suddenly walked towards me, and told me "go to police station with me, terrorist,etc."
And I said "huh??" then I walked really fast, I kept looking at my back if she was following me. At first she attempted to follow me, but thankfully she went back under the shade.
I'd just like to ask if you have heard anything like this before? I'm really concerned & worried about this since it's my first time to have encountered it here in Bangkok.
Would like to know your thoughts/advice about this. Thank you so much
EDIT:
Thank you all for your comments. Really helped me make sense of this. She most probably had a delusion/psychotic episode.
EDIT:
Turning off comments. I've understood the situation now. Hope she gets help and support 🙏 Thank you all for the perspectives. Take care everyone.
I just have a concern not related to Thailand Visa. Instead about an unusual experience I just had while walking along Sukhumvit Road today. I thought it was just a tourist scam but it wasn't at all.
I've been staying in Bangkok for almost 2 years now, but this is the first time I encountered this. I went out to but some fruits but it suddenly rained so hard a while ago. I went under the shade, and there was a lady (who looked like a tourist) with a luggage/bag sitting nearby. But she suddenly came closer to me and started to take a video of the roof above me. Then she started saying "it's for the police, there are "spies" walking around, etc."
I was creeped out and just left the shade. I bought my fruits and after 5 mins., I had to walk back home, and I still saw her sitting there, even when the rain has stopped. Then she suddenly walked towards me, and told me "go to police station with me, terrorist,etc."
And I said "huh??" then I walked really fast, I kept looking at my back if she was following me. At first she attempted to follow me, but thankfully she went back under the shade.
I'd just like to ask if you have heard anything like this before? I'm really concerned & worried about this since it's my first time to have encountered it here in Bangkok.
Would like to know your thoughts/advice about this. Thank you so much
EDIT:
Thank you all for your comments. Really helped me make sense of this. She most probably had a delusion/psychotic episode.
EDIT:
Turning off comments. I've understood the situation now. Hope she gets help and support 🙏 Thank you all for the perspectives. Take care everyone.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster shares a distressing encounter with a woman who appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis while they were walking in Bangkok. After some initial panic involving perceived threats and erratic behavior from the woman, the poster reflects on the incident, expressing concern and confusion. Other community members offer insights suggesting the woman's behavior may stem from mental health issues rather than a direct threat, sharing experiences and advice on how to handle such situations. They emphasize that it's not uncommon to encounter individuals with mental health struggles in urban areas and remind the poster that staying calm is key.
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John *******
Perhaps I will comment as well as my estranged wife at menopause time 2015 suddenly changed. Heard voices, saw visions etc. It is hard to live with so I am in the process of moving on. But it is hard for both of us. Yes oddly deep down there is still that sweet person there. A stronger person could stay. Jenny oddly gets better when I am away and she has to manage for herself. At the moment it is proving a nightmare to get her to sign papers to sell the house. She knows if she does not the bank will prossess the house. Medication I am not sure if it will not do more harm than good. Enough said for now.
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ******
Breaks my heart to hear this. Really sorry :(( Hope she will recover. Take care of yourself as well 🥺
Bob ********
@John ******
I am sorry to read your story but glad to see you are trying to understand the problems caused by mental illness (unlike some on here who like to ridicule people afflicted by it). I do hope she makes a full recovery ...PG.Reply to
Bob ********
Reply
Lisa ********************
Ting Tong
John *********
@Lisa *******************
Your Thai language knowledge is amazing.Reply to
John *********
Reply
Bob **********
Paranoid from drugs I would imagine
John *********
@Bob *********
You imagine eh? You don't know though do you.Bob **********
@John ********
no either does the OPReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Jo **********
people like this need to be avoided we have enough problems with disease, greed, violence, environmental destruction and politics. we need to people who make this world a better and more peaceful place
John *********
@Jo *********
I'd rather avoid people like you.Reply to
John *********
Reply
John *********
Maybe a little help would have been better than running away scared...
Jo **********
@John ********
no need for selfish peopleReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Per-e ***************
There used to be a completely naked Thai man walking around Petchaburi. Quite dirty too. Be thankful you didn't run into that guy. 😂
Garfunkle *************
That's not a scam, that's called mental illness. Have you ever left your mothers basement? Welcome to the real world.
Jo **********
@Clark *********
its called lack of respect anytime a person has no accountability we call it mental illness. what a wonderful worldJill ***********
@Jo *********
you were obviously out of the room when they were dishing out compassion and empathy. You talk of others “plastic rhetoric”? PftttttReply to
Jill ***********
Reply
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Clark *********
Haha there's always a first time for everythingGarfunkle *************
@Thea *********
Wait a second, you're from the Philippines. When I was in Cebu I saw a homeless man walking in the middle of the street with his pants and underwear around his ankles, talking to himself exposed in front of everybody. I'm surprised you've never experienced crazy people before.Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Clark *********
That's the usual for me xD I've seen them around Manila as well, obvious to know they need empathy & help, but never have approached me.What's unusual a while ago at sukhumvit was the lady completely looked like a "decent" tourist. Even has her phone and luggage. When she approached me I even thought she'll ask for directions.
I didn't have a clue that she has issues :(
So yeah new experience
Reply to
Thea **********
Reply
Scott ********
You could find similar scenarios in most high streets in the UK
YI ****
@Scott *******
In the first year I was in the UK, I asked a Brit why the high streets are called high street. He told me that's because the high street is where many people get “high”.Reply to
YI ****
Reply
Bobby *********
Drugs!!! Yabba Dabba Dooo
John *********
@Maverick *******
Illness?Jo **********
@John ********
same thing illness no option, Drugs no accountabilityJohn *********
@Jo *********
Which is response for the barely intelligible posts Jo?Jo **********
@John ********
up to youReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Josette *************
They call the Buddha the Compassionate One. Be like the Buddha, after all, your in a Buddhist country and she sounds pretty harmless😊🙏
Jo **********
@Josette ************
people like this need to be avoided we have enough problems with disease, greed, violence, environmental destruction and politics. we need to people who make this world a better and more peaceful place. we don’t need your plastic rhetoricReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Vincent ********
Yaba, you have chance she didn’t see you like an alien 🤣🤣
Edna *******
Unfortunately mental illness is often seen in the streets. Very sad and difficult situations around the world.
Jo **********
@Edna ******
people like this need to be avoided we have enough problems with disease, greed, violence, environmental destruction and politics. we need to people who make this world a better and more peaceful place. we don’t need your plastic rhetoricReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Jim ********
I think I have seen her before. I just don't make eye contact. If you don't want to get involved with someone who is psychotic don't make eye contact.
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTEROmg this makes sense. She clearly had an episode a while ago! When she talked about the "spies" I raised my eyebrow at her, confused and yeah i think had eye contact. Makes sense cause when I came back, passed by her, suddenly she wanted me to go with her at the police station. Ufff. Makes sense now.
Thanks for this tip!
Thanks for this tip!
Bob ********
@Thea *********
I'm just confused as to why this encountrr made you "concerned and worried". About what exactly ?Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert *******
In the first encounter (roof & spies), I was confused what's the point of her doing it. And also, when she saw me while I walked back home, she ran towards me and yelled and was hysterical as well. I was worried because I got scared when she ran towards me and attempted to follow me. I was concerned because in 2 years, I never encountered such
Reply to
Thea **********
Reply
Jim ********
@Thea *********
Get a good massage, aromatherapy, and energy healing session. Witnessing trauma in others can be traumatic for us as well. Practice good self-care for your emotional and spiritual health.Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
Will do 😍Reply to
Thea **********
Reply
Phill ****
@Jim *******
alot of crazies there best come back to Sathorn.Reply to
Phill ****
Reply
Phill ****
Where are you from lol?
Peter *******
@Phillip ************
I am a TOURLIST !!!Jim ********
@Phillip ************
She is from the Phillipines... They aren't used to it.Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
Yuup, unusual for me xDPhill ****
Reply to
Phill ****
Reply
Tom ********
She has Issues
Shezan ******
You should have said - me no speak Engrish, me no understand Engrish. Me think you should Duck off!
Kevin *********
You ever been to New York? Every other person is like that. They’ll usually go away after a few minutes.
Garrett ***********
Mental illness does not discriminate based on race, sex, or national origin. Unusual, but I wouldn't be alarmed.
Barry *******
Stop smoking ice!
Sam ************
Oh child..... she had mental issues. Nothing to worry about, you will see plenty of that.
Andrew *********
Plenty of farang in Thailand with mental disorders or addictions just keep walking
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andrew ********
Thank you. Now I know 🙏Reply to
Thea **********
Reply
Aaron *******
I'm surprised after 2 years in Thailand, this is the first time you encountered a wacky foreigner. Now that the Covid restrictions are lifted, you will see a lot more.
Jonas *************
Cambodia has more...
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Aaron ******
HAHA yeah, I never saw/stayed in Bangkok before the pandemic. I'm just seeing everything go back to normal now (tourism and all). Thanks for this precaution xDAaron *******
@Thea *********
Lookout, things will get interesting.Reply to
Aaron *******
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James ***********
You should’ve thanked her - it’s very likely she saved you from the spies and or terrorists by filming the roof. This is a known and effective counter-terrorism measure, especially when filming vertically.
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James **********
😆😆😆😆Reply to
Thea **********
Reply
Nick ************
It certainly rained hard. I got soaked.
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick ***********
For real. Hope you're well!Nick ************
@Thea *********
yes, dried out now.Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Jim **********
Conversations are often much better with such people than with "normal" people. Open your mind 😎
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *********
Good perspective 😆Reply to
Thea **********
Reply
Took **********
Meth...or on ice 100 %
Anthony *********
@Took *********
same thing dude ✌️Reply to
Anthony *********
Reply
Jim ********
Keep calm and carry on.
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
😩🙏🙏Reply to
Thea **********
Reply
Nick **********
She has a mental disorder. Nothing to worry about for yourself.
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTERNick MuayPlam Thank you Nick😩
Reply to
Thea **********
Reply
John **********
Sounds like she has mental problems
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
True :/ My first thought as well, but it was concerning she's by herselfReply to
Thea **********
Reply
Gabriel ********
Schizophrenia or meth or both
Saif ****************
Don't worry the tourist police is always there to help you out in such circumstances. If you have a valid passport and legal visa or work permit then no need to scare from such incidents.
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Saif ***************
Thank you🙏Reply to
Thea **********
Reply
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gabriel *******
If it's Schizophrenia, it's concerning. She was all by herself there. Why would they leave her (or travel on her own), and she scares people like that 😭Martin ********
@Thea *********
Sometimes people develop Schizophrenia or have bouts of it becoming acute. Nobody will do anything until she becomes a danger to herself or others or the authorities take notice of some bizarre behavior.This not only the way it goes in Thailand. In many countries this is the case until someone takes notice. It is very difficult to force someone to take treatment for mental illness unless it is extreme.
Thea **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Martin *******
Makes sense. Thanks for this🙏Reply to
Thea **********
Reply
Nick **********
@Thea *********
"They" can not just lock up people because they have a mental disorder. There are procedures and rules which have to be followed. Can't just lock up someone because of a few symptoms.
Gabriel ********
@Thea *********
sounds pretty sadReply to
Gabriel ********
Reply
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