- Why It Matters: This incident underscores the need for comprehensive education on the effects of substance use, particularly the use of multiple substances, and the importance of mental health support.
- The Big Picture: As Thailand navigates its evolving stance on cannabis, stories like these highlight the complexities of substance use and the societal implications.
- Zoom In: The son’s subsequent remorse and desire for atonement through religious practices reflect the deep cultural and personal dimensions of dealing with substance-related incidents.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events that has sparked widespread discussion across Thailand, a young man’s substance-induced hallucination led to a tragic altercation with his father. The 25-year-old, known only as “Big,” consumed cannabis and kratom over several days, leading to severe sleep deprivation and hallucinations. In a confused state, he attacked his father, resulting in the older man falling from a third-floor balcony and sustaining serious injuries.
The incident in question, as well as others like it, often involve the consumption of multiple substances, in this case, kratom, a substance that, when combined with cannabis, can produce unpredictable and potentially harmful effects. Moreover, the individual’s lack of sleep over an extended period significantly contributed to his hallucinations and subsequent actions. Sleep deprivation is well-documented to cause severe psychological and physical impairments, including hallucinations and impaired judgment, which can exacerbate the effects of any substance use.
One of the side effects of kratom is insomnia which, when combined with cannabis, leads to a cycle of an inability to sleep caused by the kratom and then cannabis being used to try to sleep but the user keeps taking more kratom which prevents them from sleeping.
Sleep deprivation is a common torture technique due to the fact that preventing sleep for even as little as 48 – 72 hours can lead to hallucinations, and prolonged periods of lack of sleep can result in cognitive impairment, delusions, paranoia, and psychosis.
The incident, which occurred in a Bangkok apartment, has brought to light the critical need for a nuanced understanding of substance use and its potential consequences. Big’s subsequent expression of remorse, his plea for forgiveness, and his vow to renounce his previous lifestyle in favor of spiritual atonement have ignited conversations about forgiveness, mental health, and the path to recovery.
Authorities have charged Big with severe assault and obstruction of justice, emphasizing the legal ramifications of substance-induced actions. However, this case also highlights the importance of addressing the underlying issues of substance use, including the combined effects of cannabis and kratom, and the need for accessible mental health services.
As Thailand continues to reform its cannabis policies, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding substance use. It underscores the importance of education, support systems, and compassionate policies that recognize the human dimension of such tragedies.
Original sources: Matichon, Daily News, and Komchadluek
