Chinese Woman Divorce Case After Thai Cliff Ordeal

Crime

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September 27, 2025Sep 27

Pictures courtesy of MGR

A Chinese woman who survived a notorious attempted murder in Thailand has now faced a divorce hearing in Nanjing, China. On 26 September 2025, the Qinhuai District People’s Court heard the case of “Wang Nuannuan”, who was pushed off a 34-metre cliff in Ubon Ratchathani by her husband in June 2019. The man, Yu Houwudong, is currently serving a 33-year, four-month prison sentence in Thailand for attempted murder.

Wang spent nearly five years recovering from severe injuries, which included 17 broken bones and more than 200 stitches, before regaining the ability to walk. She has since pursued divorce proceedings, despite numerous obstacles. Yu, however, demanded 30 million yuan (approximately 135 million baht) in exchange for agreeing to the separation.

At the hearing, Wang carried two large bags of documents to court to support her case. The trial attracted heavy media attention and a crowd of supporters who shouted encouragement outside. The court completed the day-long hearing but did not immediately issue a ruling, with the date of judgment yet to be announced.

Wang told reporters she felt pressured to present extensive evidence to counter claims from Yu’s defence. She admitted suffering stress, sleepless nights and physical pain in the days leading up to the trial. Her lawyer noted the unusual circumstances, as the defendant is imprisoned abroad, meaning diplomatic discussions were needed to allow Yu to testify via video link.

Chinese media reported Yu’s demand for compensation included claims for “mental distress” and “lost youth.” Wang, who wept after giving her testimony, said she only wanted the divorce. She recalled her near-fatal fall at Pha Taem National Park while three months pregnant, which forced her to terminate her pregnancy due to medical treatment.

In June 2023, Yu was convicted in Thailand and ordered to pay Wang 5.5 million baht in damages, though she says she has received nothing to date. In August 2019, Yu had already filed a divorce petition in Nanjing seeking a division of marital assets. Wang later filed her own case in September 2023, after rejecting Yu’s private demand for 30 million yuan in return for agreeing to the divorce.

Following the proceedings, Wang told media she hoped this would mark the last time Yu would cause her harm. The court will set a future date to deliver its judgment on the case.