Good Samaritan Saves Young Woman from Bridge Jump in Trang

Picture from responders.

A 25-year-old woman suffering from depression was saved from an apparent suicide attempt after a passerby spotted her sitting on the edge of a bridge and quickly intervened.

Police in Mueang Trang received an urgent report on January 30, from a concerned citizen about a woman attempting to jump from Khlong Nam Chet Bridge on Sritrang 1 Road, Thap Thiang. Officers, led by Lt. Wisanupon Duangsri, rushed to the scene along with emergency responders.

Upon arrival, they found that a quick-thinking Good Samaritan, who had been driving past, had already grabbed the woman and pulled her to safety. Several other bystanders soon arrived to assist. The distressed woman, in visible emotional turmoil, was crying uncontrollably and unable to speak.

Her motorbike was found parked about 50 metres away, with her identification card inside, allowing police to confirm her identity.

Authorities attempted to comfort the woman and persuade her to go to Trang Police Station for support, but she refused to leave. Instead, she requested officers to call her mother. However, when they did, she broke down in tears and once again refused to speak.

Moments later, she tried to walk away and get back on her motorbike, but police stopped her for her own safety. Determined to leave, she walked nearly 100 metres down the road, with officers closely following to prevent further harm.

After persistent efforts, police finally managed to contact her older sister and boyfriend, who arrived at the scene. They spent over an hour trying to console her, during which she gradually calmed down and agreed to take her prescribed medication for depression.

Eventually, officers escorted her to her sister’s home in Mueang Trang, ensuring she was in a safe and supportive environment.

One of the Good Samaritans, Mr. Nantawat Pansri, 26, recalled the moment he suspected something was wrong. “I saw her take off her shoes and sit on the edge of the bridge, which seemed unusual. I drove a little further but decided to turn around. By the time I got back, a man in a white shirt had already pulled her down to safety.”

He added that the river below was shallow and filled with sharp rocks, meaning a jump would have resulted in severe injuries or worse.

Lt. Wisanupon Duangsri confirmed that the woman was battling depression, family conflicts, and relationship issues. “She was completely silent and unwilling to share her struggles,” he said.

He urged her family to monitor her closely and offer emotional support as she continues her treatment. Police have emphasised the importance of mental health awareness and intervention, encouraging people to reach out for help when needed.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek out help.

-- 2025-02-01