Man Dies After Drinking Only Beer for a Month

A tragic case from Thailand highlights the deadly effects of emotional distress and alcohol abuse. A 44-year-old man reportedly consumed only beer for nearly a month after his divorce. He was later found dead in his home, with over 100 empty beer bottles scattered around the room.

Emotional Trauma after Divorce

After his divorce, the man, identified as Thaweesak Namwongsa, became emotionally unstable. He lived with his 16-year-old son in Ban Chang district, Rayong province. According to the son, Namwongsa refused food entirely after the separation, relying exclusively on beer to cope with his emotional pain.
Despite his son’s daily efforts to prepare meals and encourage him to eat, the father persisted with his alcohol-only diet, isolating himself and withdrawing from regular activity.

Discovery and Emergency Response

When the adolescent got home from school, he discovered his father asleep in his bedroom. The Siam Rayong Foundation’s emergency services were called right away. Sadly, Namwongsa had already died before paramedics arrived.
First responders described a distressing scene: the bedroom was littered with more than 100 empty beer bottles, with only narrow paths cleared through the clutter. This layout suggested he had spent weeks confined to the room, drinking beer as his sole intake.

Risks of Alcohol-Only Consumption

Solely consuming beer or any form of alcohol for an extended period is extremely dangerous. While beer contains some calories, it lacks the essential nutrients, hydration, and minerals needed for survival. The following medical complications are common in such cases:

Severe Malnutrition: No food means no protein, no healthy fats, no essential vitamins.
Dehydration: Alcohol dehydrates the body. Without water, the kidneys struggle to function.
Electrolyte Imbalance: This can trigger seizures or sudden cardiac arrest.
Liver Stress: The liver can only process limited amounts of alcohol at a time. Prolonged overconsumption can lead to liver failure.
Alcohol Poisoning: Daily heavy drinking without breaks can overwhelm the body’s systems.

The Role of Depression and Isolation

This case also raises serious concerns about mental health. The sudden shift in Namwongsa’s behaviour, refusing food, drinking excessively, and withdrawing from normal life, points to major depressive disorder, possibly complicated by alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Divorce, grief, and social isolation are major triggers for emotional breakdowns. Without early mental health intervention, individuals may turn to self-harming behaviours such as substance abuse.

Conclusion

Thaweesak Namwongsa’s death is a sobering reminder of how untreated emotional trauma and substance dependence can lead to fatal outcomes. His month-long beer-only diet was not just a case of poor nutrition, but a deeper cry for help, one that tragically went unheard.

If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress, alcohol dependency, or suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Mental health services and addiction support lines are available in every country. Early intervention saves lives.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.