Devastated by the worsening COVID-19 situation in Thailand that resulted in her job loss, a popular YouTube singer ended her life on Saturday, to the grief of her family, friends and thousands of fans.
Prakaifa Pooldoung, 30, whose online performances have raked in thousands of views on her YouTube channel, was found dead Saturday at Big C Saphanmai after she jumped off the department store’s parking lot, according to Capt. Wiwat Mahatep of Bang Khen Police yesterday.
CCTV footage showed Prakaifa driving in and out of the mall twice at around noon Saturday. She eventually parked her car and subsequently jumped off a ledge.
Prakaifa’s family told police that she was an independent musician who was stressed over the lack of income due to the shut down of bars and entertainment venues since April, when the third wave of COVID-19 infections hit the capital. The closure led to criticisms against the authorities for failing to compensate those affected, including bar owners, musicians, restaurant operators, informal workers and more.
Prakaifa’s boyfriend, Suwatchai Pornkulwat, said that the singer was forced to pivot to selling noodles, which was not sufficient to make a living.
Her funeral took place at Latsanoon Temple in Pathum Thani.
Prakaifa graduated from Faculty of Mass Communications Technology at the Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi. Other than maintaining her “Prakaifa Channel,” she was also a member of the Pastel Season Band that performed at various special events including weddings.
If you are considering harming yourself, please reach out for help. Assistance is available around the clock from the Mental Health Department’s 1323 hotline (for Thai speakers) or the Samaritans of Thailand at 02-713-6793 (for Thai speakers), and 02-713-6791 (for English speakers).
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