A Khon Kaen Centre Hospital doctor who suffered from a malignant brain tumour for 15 years and underwent three unsuccessful surgeries, committed suicide yesterday by drinking poison and electrocuting himself.

Police found the body of obstetrical gynaecologist Dr Chanchai Maleephan in his residence at the hospital with electric wires still attached to his chest and an opened bottle of insecticide nearby yesterday at 9am.

Family away

Neighbours tell police they suspect he committed suicide over stress and pain from his illness by taking an opportunity when his wife and one of his three daughters were at student registration at a Bangkok university. Hospital director Dr Weeraphan Suphanchaimat says the hospital is saddened by the sudden loss of Chanchai, who had worked there for decades and was admired by colleagues.

He says Chanchai suffered from a malignant brain tumour for 15 years and underwent three unsuccessful surgeries. The hospital will pay for the funeral.