Woman Helps Prevent British Man from Jumping at Suvarnabhumi Airport

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A woman has been praised for her assistance in talking down a distressed British man who was attempting to jump from an elevated road at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Her intervention bought crucial time before police officers managed to pull him to safety.

 

The dramatic rescue unfolded on the evening of 21 February, when Suvarnabhumi’s control centre received reports of a foreign man sitting precariously on the outer railing of an elevated roadway leading out of the airport. Officers from Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station, tourist police, and airport security were immediately dispatched to the scene.

 

Upon arrival, officers found the man, later identified as a 30-year-old British national, name not disclosed, standing at the edge of the structure, visibly distressed. Concerned that any sudden movement might push him over the edge, officers secured the area and kept onlookers at a distance. A swift strategy meeting was held to ensure his safe rescue.

 

During this time, a young woman, fluent in English, volunteered to engage with the man in conversation to help de-escalate the situation. Recognising that a calm and familiar voice might ease his distress, officers agreed to the plan.

 

Meanwhile, Pol. Col. Jakrapong Nutchaphadung, head of Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station, used his personal vehicle as a cover, approaching the scene discreetly. His team, including plainclothes officers, remained inside the car as the woman continued to speak with the British man, gaining his trust and diverting his attention.

 

As the conversation progressed, the officers seized their opportunity. Jakrapong’s vehicle drew close enough for officers inside to swiftly exit and grab the man, pulling him to safety. The operation, executed within seconds, successfully prevented a potential tragedy.

 

Initial investigations revealed that the British national was suffering from severe emotional distress. He was disoriented and at times incoherent during questioning. Thai authorities have since reached out to the British Embassy in Bangkok. The British Embassy in the UK has acknowledged the situation and confirmed it will coordinate further support.

 

Efforts were made to contact the man’s relatives, who have expressed their intention to travel to Thailand but have not yet confirmed their arrival date.

 

This incident has sparked widespread praise for the young woman’s actions and the police’s well-coordinated rescue.

 

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.

 

-- 2025-02-24

 

[Georgealbert]