Dramatic Rescue as Man Collapses Atop 10-Metre Durian Tree in Rayong

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

In a harrowing incident that could have ended in tragedy, a 20-year-old man lost consciousness while working high in a durian tree in Rayong province, only to be saved through swift action and CPR.

The man, identified as Mr. Film, had climbed the durian tree, reportedly more than 10 metres tall, to harvest the fruit. While working near the top, he suddenly appeared to suffer chest tightness and breathing difficulty before collapsing.

Witnesses, including fellow workers and the orchard owner, acted quickly. Seeing Mr. Film in distress, they climbed up and tied a rope around him to prevent a fall, then carefully lowered him to the ground. Upon reaching the ground, he was found to be unresponsive and not breathing.

Workers immediately tore open his shirt to allow ventilation and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). They continued the life-saving efforts for nearly 20 minutes until Mr. Film started breathing again, just as rescue personnel arrived on the scene. He was then rushed to Wang Chan Hospital, where he is now said to be in stable condition.

Mr. Anothai, 55, a durian buyer who was present at the scene, described the moment: “We had come to buy durians from Mr. Pakorn’s orchard. Mr. Film, a labourer, was helping with the harvest. He was working on an old tree, over 10 metres tall, when he suddenly seemed to struggle, clutching his chest.”

Quick-thinking workers on the ground shouted for help and carefully coordinated the rescue, eventually managing to get the unconscious Mr. Film safely down.

At hospital, Mr. Film recounted the experience: “I remember struggling to breathe and feeling pressure in my chest. The next thing I knew, someone was pressing on my chest and stomach. I don’t know exactly what happened, but now I feel OK.”

Thanks to the quick response of his colleagues and the arrival of rescue personnel, a life was saved amidst the towering branches of a durian tree.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-19.