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12 suicides in eight days spark death-pact warning

Counsellors fear a trend may be growing as students nervously await exam results

Counsellors yesterday warned of a growing phenomenon of 'death pacts' in Hong Kong following 12 suicides in eight days - eight of which involved pairs who had signed death notes.

Voicing concerns about 'stressed-out' students, authorities have revealed that from tomorrow more than 100,000 youngsters will have to face the reality of life without jobs or schools to go to.

The warning comes in the lead-up to the release of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) results tomorrow.

Social workers are appealing for Hong Kong residents to learn what symptoms to look out for in a potential suicide victim.

This follows the double suicide of two young friends who wrote six notes to family and friends before killing themselves in a suicide pact early yesterday.

A 59-year-old man returning to his flat on Shamshuipo's Pak Tin Estate at about 4.30am found the body of his son, Tsang Chiu-lam, 20, lying on a sofa with pot of burned coal beside him and the body of his friend, Cheung Yee-hei, 19, on the floor.

An empty medicine bottle and six death notes addressed to their parents and friends were also found. 'The notes were simply saying they were sorry,' a police spokesman said. 'There were no suspicious circumstances. We believe they made a suicide pact.'

He said it was not known why they committed suicide, although reports suggested the men had been depressed after being unable to find work.

Speaking out about the increasing phenomenon of death pacts, Samaritan Befrienders executive committee member Vincent Kan Pak-kei said of the 12 suicides cases reported in just over a week, there were three pairs of lovers and one pair of friends.

'I do not know whether it is a coincidence or not,' said Mr Kan. 'But it is a very disturbing trend.' He added it was particularly alarming given the 'stressful' period many students faced.

'They have to face their academic future, and given the economic conditions and unemployment rate in Hong Kong, if they do not enjoy good [exam] results they will face great pressure.'

Mr Kan appealed to members of society to be watchful for suicidal symptoms among family and friends. 'Research shows that one would always send out signals before killing oneself,' he said.

Mr Kan said possible reasons included the gloomy economy, psychological problems or relationship difficulties.

'If any of your family members or friends has ever showed an intention of committing suicide, please show your patience by listening to their distress and encourage them to seek help from social workers or doctors,' he said.

'Such friendship is something to treasure. To have someone who is understanding is a gift.

'We think the public should work to transform the courage of committing suicide to that of facing and solving the problems.'

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