ask
Search
Ask
Answered4 years ago

Have you ever encountered someone with mental health issues while living in Thailand?

Thea **********
asked Jul 1, 2022
14.4k
views
78
replies
25
likes
Hello 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.
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.
78 repliesnewest first
38

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

John *******
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 **********
Thea **********
OP
@John ******
Breaks my heart to hear this. Really sorry :(( Hope she will recover.

Take care of yourself as well 🥺
Bob ********
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.
Lisa ********************
Lisa ********************
Ting Tong
John *********
John *********
@Lisa *******************
Your Thai language knowledge is amazing.
Bob **********
Bob **********
Paranoid from drugs I would imagine
John *********
John *********
@Bob *********
You imagine eh? You don't know though do you.
Bob **********
Bob **********
@John ********
no either does the OP
Jo **********
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 *********
John *********
@Jo *********
I'd rather avoid people like you.
John *********
John *********
Maybe a little help would have been better than running away scared...
Jo **********
Jo **********
@John ********
no need for selfish people
Per-e ***************
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 *************
Garfunkle *************
That's not a scam, that's called mental illness. Have you ever left your mothers basement? Welcome to the real world.
Jo **********
Jo **********
@Clark *********
its called lack of respect anytime a person has no accountability we call it mental illness. what a wonderful world
Jill ***********
Jill ***********
@Jo *********
you were obviously out of the room when they were dishing out compassion and empathy. You talk of others “plastic rhetoric”? Pfttttt
Thea **********
Thea **********
OP
@Clark *********
Haha there's always a first time for everything
Garfunkle *************
Garfunkle *************
@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 **********
Thea **********
OP
@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
Scott ********
Scott ********
You could find similar scenarios in most high streets in the UK
YI ****
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”.
Bobby *********
Bobby *********
Drugs!!! Yabba Dabba Dooo
John *********
John *********
Jo **********
Jo **********
@John ********
same thing illness no option, Drugs no accountability
Jo **********
Jo **********
@John ********
up to you
John *********
John *********
@Jo *********
Which is response for the barely intelligible posts Jo?
Josette *************
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 **********
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 rhetoric
Vincent ********
Vincent ********
Yaba, you have chance she didn’t see you like an alien 🤣🤣
Edna *******
Edna *******
Unfortunately mental illness is often seen in the streets. Very sad and difficult situations around the world.
Jo **********
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 rhetoric
Jim ********
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 **********
Thea **********
OP
Omg 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!
Bob ********
Bob ********
@Thea *********
I'm just confused as to why this encountrr made you "concerned and worried". About what exactly ?
Thea **********
Thea **********
OP
@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
Jim ********
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 **********
Thea **********
OP
@Jim *******
Will do 😍
Phill ****
Phill ****
@Jim *******
alot of crazies there best come back to Sathorn.
Phill ****
Phill ****
Where are you from lol?
Peter *******
Peter *******
@Phillip ************
I am a TOURLIST !!!
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Phillip ************
She is from the Phillipines... They aren't used to it.
Thea **********
Thea **********
OP
@Jim *******
Yuup, unusual for me xD
Phill ****
Phill ****
Tom ********
Tom ********
She has Issues
Shezan ******
Shezan ******
You should have said - me no speak Engrish, me no understand Engrish. Me think you should Duck off!
Kevin *********
Kevin *********
You ever been to New York? Every other person is like that. They’ll usually go away after a few minutes.
Garrett ***********
Garrett ***********
Mental illness does not discriminate based on race, sex, or national origin. Unusual, but I wouldn't be alarmed.
Barry *******
Barry *******
Stop smoking ice!
Sam ************
Sam ************
Oh child..... she had mental issues. Nothing to worry about, you will see plenty of that.
Andrew *********
Andrew *********
Plenty of farang in Thailand with mental disorders or addictions just keep walking
Thea **********
Thea **********
OP
@Andrew ********
Thank you. Now I know 🙏
Aaron *******
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 *************
Jonas *************
Cambodia has more...
Thea **********
Thea **********
OP
@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 xD
Aaron *******
Aaron *******
@Thea *********
Lookout, things will get interesting.
James ***********
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 **********
Thea **********
OP
@James **********
😆😆😆😆
Nick ************
Nick ************
It certainly rained hard. I got soaked.
Thea **********
Thea **********
OP
@Nick ***********
For real. Hope you're well!
Nick ************
Nick ************
@Thea *********
yes, dried out now.
Jim **********
Jim **********
Conversations are often much better with such people than with "normal" people. Open your mind 😎
Thea **********
Thea **********
OP
@Jim *********
Good perspective 😆
Took **********
Took **********
Meth...or on ice 100 %
Anthony *********
Anthony *********
@Took *********
same thing dude ✌️
Jim ********
Jim ********
Keep calm and carry on.
Thea **********
Thea **********
OP
@Jim *******
😩🙏🙏
Nick **********
Nick **********
She has a mental disorder. Nothing to worry about for yourself.
Thea **********
Thea **********
OP
Nick MuayPlam Thank you Nick😩
John **********
John **********
Sounds like she has mental problems
Thea **********
Thea **********
OP
@John *********
True :/ My first thought as well, but it was concerning she's by herself
Gabriel ********
Gabriel ********
Schizophrenia or meth or both
Saif ****************
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 **********
Thea **********
OP
@Saif ***************
Thank you🙏
Thea **********
Thea **********
OP
@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 ********
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 **********
Thea **********
OP
@Martin *******
Makes sense. Thanks for this🙏
Nick **********
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 ********
Gabriel ********
@Thea *********
sounds pretty sad

Activity

38 joined
Thea **********
Thea **********
Thea **********
Thea **********
Thea **********
Thea **********
38
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What draws travelers back to Thailand repeatedly?
19.7k1333203mo
What should I know about finding a psychiatrist in Thailand as an expat?
2.4k10514mo
Should I Move to Thailand with My Daughter After Leaving an Abusive Relationship?
1.5k1584mo
Is tourism in Thailand noticeably down and how are the streets currently?
11.8k881637mo
Is it worth moving to Thailand given the visa complications compared to Cambodia?
19k1302978mo
What should DTV holders pack or avoid when leaving for Thailand?
2.4k19269mo
Do I need a guide for traveling in Thailand?
9.3k791009mo
Is Thailand's stability reflected in its economic growth and political situation?
1.2k7131y
Why are people less interested in Malaysia's Digital Nomad Visa compared to Thailand's?
13.5k1121112y
What is it like raising teenagers in Thailand, and what are the best neighborhoods and schools for expatriate families?
2.6k17132y
What are the common challenges expatriates face when dealing with Thai immigration rules?
1.5k6172y
What is the current flooding situation in Chiang Mai and should I be concerned about my arrival on October 1?
6.1k50522y
How can I move to Thailand with limited funds and job opportunities?
19.4k993622y
How can I obtain prescriptions for antidepressants and ADHD medication in Bangkok?
12.3k18152y
How do cultural differences in daily living influence expats' experiences in Thailand, particularly regarding kitchens and laundry?
29.6k2383693y
What are the challenges of teaching English in Thailand as a foreigner?
56.1k3091k3y
Why won't hotels in Thailand match online prices when asked directly?
12k941463y
What was it like to explore Thailand during the pandemic in 2020 without the usual crowds?
481213y
What steps should I take for visa and passport issues when moving back to Thailand with a UK passport?
9.4k751093y
Is Koh Chang currently crowded and how full is it?
9022134y
Why is there a lack of tourists in Thailand during the rainy season?
6.1k321044y
What are the opinions on dual pricing in Thailand for foreigners versus locals?
6.8k441004y
What is Hua Hin like for tourists after COVID?
1.9k15114y
What are the challenges of dealing with alcohol dependence while living in Thailand?
2.4k9455y
What are the issues and perspectives surrounding the Day 5 COVID test for tourists in Thailand?
6.9k431085y

Resources

Need help with your Thai visa?