Community Fisherman Couple Attacked While Rescuing Drowning Man

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

An unsettling incident unfolded on the Mekong River, when a kind-hearted local couple attempting to rescue a drowning man were unexpectedly attacked by the very person they sought to save. The man later vanished beneath the water, leaving rescue teams scrambling to locate his body.

 

At approximately 08:10 on the morning 19 June, officers from Mueang Nakhon Phanom Police Station received a report of a suspected drowning near the Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. Upon arrival, police and rescue workers discovered a parked motorcycle and a pair of sandals about 20 metres from the riverbank, believed to belong to the missing individual.

 

Local resident Mrs. Daeng Rachawong-on, 50, recounted the harrowing event. She and her husband had been fishing when they heard a man crying out for help from the river. Spotting him struggling in the water, they rowed swiftly to his aid and managed to pull him aboard their boat.

 

However, their relief quickly turned to fear. The rescued man was completely naked and immediately exhibited aggressive behaviour, glaring at the couple before attempting to wrestle an oar from Mrs. Daeng in what appeared to be an effort to attack her.

 

“I told him we were taking him safely to shore,” she said. “But he let go of the oar, jumped off the boat, clung briefly to the bow, then released his grip and disappeared beneath the current right before our eyes.”

 

Stunned, the couple quickly returned to shore and notified local authorities. They also contacted the village headman, who arrived at the scene to assist with the response.

 

Mrs. Daeng stated she had no idea who the man was but speculated he might be a patient from a nearby psychiatric hospital, as the incident occurred just one kilometre from the facility.

 

Rescue teams continue to search for the missing man, whose identity and fate remain unknown. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

 

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.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Koaded 2025-06-20

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]