PATTAYA — A Thai woman’s life was saved by an American tourist who intervened just as she attempted to jump from a pedestrian bridge in Pattaya, while authorities and other citizens were trying to talk her down.
At 5:30 p.m. on January 11, the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Center in Pattaya received reports of a person attempting to jump from a pedestrian bridge near Soi Sukhumvit 53 in Pattaya, Banglamung District, Chonburi Province. Emergency responders and police quickly arrived at the scene.
At the location, they found Ms. W (alias), 23, crying hysterically while climbing over the bridge’s railing. She expressed her desire to end her life, causing distress to onlookers. Despite attempts by officials and good Samaritans to persuade her, she remained unresponsive to their pleas.
Joe, a 38-year-old American who was in the vicinity, made a split-second decision to lunge forward and pull the young woman back to safety on the bridge. He sustained minor injuries to his leg from hitting the concrete edge during the rescue.
“I noticed her standing there crying and feared she might be in danger,” Joe explained. “I tried talking to her and offering help, but she didn’t respond and continued crying. When I saw an opportunity, I acted quickly to bring her to safety.”
Police from Pattaya City Police Station contacted the woman’s relatives to take her into their care. It was revealed that on January 7, she had attempted to jump from a five-story commercial building in Soi Town in Town, Central Pattaya, where her boyfriend and authorities had also intervened. Notably, she was wearing the same clothes during both incidents.
Officials emphasized the importance of ensuring Ms. W receives continued professional mental health care to prevent future attempts.
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