Community Indonesian Man Self-Harms on Bangkok Pedestrian Bridge

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Workpoint.

 

Police in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, were forced to stage an intervention, after a foreign national armed with scissors repeatedly injured himself on a pedestrian overpass, bringing traffic on Phahonyothin Road to a standstill for several hours.

 

Officers from Khlong Luang Police Station, led by Pol Col Athimes Chaiyasarnwichit, rushed to the scene outside a company near Bangkok University at kilometre marker 37+300 after reports of a man in a state of distress. Witnesses described him as a 35- to 40-year-old Indonesianwho was seen slashing at his chest and left wrist while pacing back and forth on the footbridge.

 

Despite attempts at negotiation, the man became increasingly paranoid and edged outside the protective railing, raising fears he would leap into oncoming traffic. Police shut down the fast lane in both directions, causing tailbacks stretching over 10 kilometres.

 

One passer-by, 23-year-old delivery rider Mr Wayo, said:

 

“I saw him on the bridge cutting himself and immediately phoned the police. It was shocking.”

 

Officers coordinated with a lorry driver to position a tarpaulin-covered truck beneath the bridge to cushion any potential fall. Moments later, as rescue workers distracted the man by offering him water, police officers and volunteers seized the opportunity to charge and restrain him, disarming him of a pair of scissors.

 

First responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation administered first aid at the scene. The man had serious lacerations on his wristand bruising to his chest, before being rushed to Thammasat University Hospital.

 

According to volunteer rescuer Ms Sophit Klaksakijit, the man admitted he was overwhelmed by personal problems and simply wanted to return home.

 

Police officer Sirichai Phaobleklak described the decisive moment:

 

“He was about to climb out again when he looked away. That’s when we charged and pulled him back to safety. It was very close.”

 

Authorities are now working to contact the Indonesian embassy to provide support while the man receives treatment.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-08-26