A Russian man left destitute by a free-spending Thai girlfriend was found dead behind a Jomtien Beach temple, a victim of an apparent suicide.
Authorities found the limp body of Sergey Bykov, 54, hanging about three meters above the ground in the woods behind Kratungthong Temple Oct. 4.
Monk Subin Suksawat said Bykov had approached the abbot of the temple three days before to ask for permission to stay. He arrived with just one set of clothes, a bank book and a bit of cash.
Subin said the Russian recounted a tale of how he had saved up to come to Pattaya for a holiday and, while here, had fallen in love with a woman from Buriram and they began a relationship.
However, things soured when she began spending all his money. A 600,000 baht bank account soon was left with only 400 baht in it.
The woman left him and Bykov said he was unable to go home or even afford a hotel. So he sought refuge in the temple.
Subin said the Russian was very helpful, assisting with cleaning and supporting the monks as they collected alms. Some younger monks felt sorry for him and gave him small amounts of money.
But early Oct. 4, Bykov was heard complaining of a store stomach and moaning he wanted to kill himself. No one took him seriously until the body was found hanging from a tree.
