Agency: In a tragic incident, a young Bhutanese student studying in Perth, Australia, has been found dead, with authorities suspecting suicide as the cause. The student’s body was discovered on 1st November 2024, and local police have reported no signs of foul play, noting the room door was locked from the inside.
The student, originally from Gelephu, was reportedly experiencing stress related to financial challenges. Unable to secure stable employment, he was dependent on family support to cover tuition expenses. He shared an apartment with friends.
The Association of Bhutanese in Perth Incorporated (ABPI) has stepped in to assist, organizing a fundraising effort to cover the costs of repatriating the student’s body and making necessary arrangements. According to ABPI President, Chimmi Dorji, financial and emotional stress affects many Bhutanese students who may struggle with tuition and living expenses while working limited hours under visa restrictions. He expressed concern that many individuals are hesitant to seek help despite mounting pressures.
Chimmi said that on one hand many of the 25,000 to 30,000 Bhutanese in Perth are doing well for themselves, but on the other hand, there are also many Bhutanese who are living under pathetic conditions.
While ABPI is raising funds for the above case, just recently it also raised funds for an elderly lady who has a kidney problem, a young student who had to transplant a kidney, and a major accident case where the driver broke his ribs, hands and legs.
The association after raising funds for the dead student has four more cases of fund raising lined up, based on first come- first serve basis and urgency.
