Parricide in Thailand: Its Causes, Characteristics, and Factors

Abstract

To date, studies as to parricide have mostly pertained to Western contexts. This study is the first exploratory research to consider parricide in Thailand alongside its patterns, causes and factors within this specific socio-cultural context. In-depth interviews were employed with 21 male perpetrators of parricide serving sentences in three prisons in Thailand. These interviews found that the victims had abused and committed domestic violence against the perpetrator prior to the parricide. Furthermore, the act of parricide in each case derived from the anger of, and unplanned use of weapons (i.e., sticks, kitchen tools and farming tools) by, a sole perpetrator.

Emotional reactions and stigmatization after a parricide in South Tyrol, Italy, among mental health professionals and the general population, including persons with mental disorders, relatives, and persons with no direct or indirect contact

“…It forms the basis for contemporary psychiatric and psychoanalytic approaches to understanding violence against parents and parricide ( 9 ). Regardless of society, culture, or religion, it is considered inherently evil to kill others, especially one’s own parents ( 10 ).…”

“…The literature on parricide is sparse, the evidence base is limited, and most studies have a small sample, making generalization difficult ( 12 , 22 ). Most studies refer to Western contexts ( 10 ). For example, there are studies on the alleged causes, judicial outcomes, and media portrayal of parricides [e.g., ( 7 , 27 , 28 )].…”