Lifeguards and Foreigner Save Man from Sea Suicide Attempt in Pattaya

Photo via Facebook/ TMN Cable TV Pattaya

In a dramatic rescue off Pattaya's coast on March 26, two Thai lifeguards, Chayanon and Narongrit, along with a foreign bystander, successfully saved a Thai man named Pisit from an apparent suicide attempt. Pisit was struggling in strong waves, having choked on seawater, when the rescuers pulled him to safety.

The incident began when a concerned beachgoer alerted the lifeguards to Pisit, who appeared to be intentionally entering the turbulent sea. Despite the challenging conditions, the lifeguards managed to bring him ashore with the foreigner's assistance.

Exhausted and clearly distraught, Pisit declined to give much information, only requesting the lifeguards contact his mother using details from his suicide note. Once at the Marine Rescue Centre, a video call was made to his mother, during which Pisit tearfully expressed his love for her.

Pisit's mother, upon learning of his whereabouts, travelled from Saraburi to Pattaya. She revealed that Pisit had run away from home on February 14, the same day he was supposed to graduate. Unknown to her, he had dropped out in 2022, a secret that came to light only after his disappearance.

While his mother suspected Pisit was dealing with depression, she assured the media of her unwavering support and relief at his safety. The lifeguards decided not to press Pisit with further questions, allowing him to rest and recover emotionally.

This compassionate intervention underscores the critical role of both professional lifeguards and vigilant civilians in responding effectively to mental health crises, offering a lifeline to those in distress, reported The Thaiger.

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 help.