Inquest Rules Talented Young Footballer Took His Own Life

An inquest has ruled a talented teenage footballer from Thailand took his own life in Market Harborough.

17-year-old Duangphet Phromthep, known as Dom, died in hospital two days after being found unconscious at the Brooke House College accommodation on Northampton Road on February 12th.

Professor Catherine Mason, senior coroner for Leicester City and South Leicestershire, said the teenager was not known to mental health services and it is not known why he took the actions he did, which could not have been foreseen or prevented.

A police investigation found no evidence of third-party involvement or suspicious circumstances and a verdict of suicide was recorded.

Dom pictured with Dave Thomas, deputy head of mission at the British Embassy in Thailand, when his UK scholarship was announced last year. Pic: Dave Thomas

Dom had previously gained worldwide fame as captain of the Thai boys’ football team rescued from a Cave in his home country, after being trapped for two weeks in 2018.

He had won a scholarship to Brooke House College Football Academy in 2022.

Ian Smith, Brooke House College’s Principal said: “Our entire college community remains united in grief with Dom’s family, friends and former teammates.

“As a college, the health, wellbeing and welfare of our students is our absolute priority.

“We have robust safeguarding systems in place which enable us to provide appropriate support for students when needed, and we keep these systems under constant review so that we can do everything possible to provide the necessary support to every child.

“Since this tragedy, our dedicated pastoral team has continued to provide support to students and colleagues.

“Dom will always remain a part of the Brooke House family and will be hugely missed.”