Police officers in Pattaya helped save a British tourist from the sea after he allegedly attempted to harm himself late on the night of 29 June 2026, before calming the man and ensuring he returned safely to his accommodation. Get today's headlines by email At 11.10pm on 29 June 2026, duty investigation officers Lt. Thannathon Katanyu and Lt. Bowornsak Boonman of Pattaya City Police Station were carrying out their duties when a member of the public alerted them that a foreign tourist had entered the sea in dangerous circumstances. Believing there was no time to wait for patrol officers or rescue workers, the two officers immediately made their way about 500 metres from the police station to location on Pattaya Beach. On arrival, they found a Thai man restraining one of the British tourists while the man’s travelling companion was arguing and shouting nearby. The officers spoke with them to calm the situation, as both appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. TravelGuides & Travelogues Picture and video courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง Police established that the two men had travelled to Pattaya after returning from Koh Larn and had been drinking beer on the beach. They were due to fly back to Leeds, England, the following day. The men identified themselves to authorities, as Matthew O’Rourke, 32, and Matthew Sharp, 44, both British nationals travelling together. Witness Kanthima Phuangcharoen, 18, said she saw one of the men remove his shirt, shouting he wanted to die and swim out to sea before beginning to struggle in the water. She alerted her friends, who stopped drinking beer and entered the sea to help. The man had swum about 30 metres from shore and rescuers had to swim out twice before successfully bringing him safely back to the beach. Mr Sharp later told officers he had recently lost his daughter and a close friend, leaving him under severe emotional stress and causing him to contemplate taking his own life. Police separated the two men as they began arguing again, before taking Mr Sharp to Pattaya City Police Station, where he was given water and allowed to rest until he had calmed down. Officers then contacted a friend, who collected him and returned him safely to his accommodation. AQOEaz4OCxcF7zLLorbocLyZ_9N79oHpjVDh87BMLWpRVm4Wxpol-EmN30jdsqlXOU00AaG5Loo1Xayk4kY_aoKmQH9upVXYXIcMoutqiQ.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 30 June 2026
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