A 35-year-old Thai man was injured after jumping from the road above into Pattaya's underpass early on 20 July, police and rescue workers said. The man, identified as Sakorn Burin, suffered an ankle injury after falling about five to six metres into the tunnel.

Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya rescue volunteers received the report at 6.20am and alerted Pattaya City Police. Responders found Sakorn lying injured inside the underpass, with a large suitcase in the middle of the road nearby.

He was given first aid at the scene before being taken to Pattaya Bhattamakun Hospital for further treatment.

Suitcase contained old belongings

Officials inspected the suitcase and found old personal possessions and collected items, most of which were rubbish or no longer usable. Sakorn was described as appearing to be homeless.

When questioned, he said he was stressed and overthinking matters. He told officers only, "I don't want to be here," before saying he had decided to jump into the underpass.

Police spoke to him, warned him about the danger of his actions and explained that he could have been killed, or caused damage and injury to road users, if vehicles had been passing through the tunnel at the time.

A rescue volunteer said a motorcycle taxi rider had earlier seen Sakorn standing on the road above the underpass, apparently preparing to throw the suitcase down. The rider had to continue taking a passenger to their destination and could not intervene immediately.

When the rider returned, Sakorn had already jumped into the tunnel and the suitcase was lying in the road. The rider then contacted rescue workers.

Support agencies to be contacted

Police advised Sakorn to seek help from a shelter in Bang Lamung district, where accommodation and food are available for people facing personal hardship. Officials said they would coordinate with relevant agencies to provide social support and monitor his mental wellbeing.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

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20 July 2026

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A sad reminder that not every homeless person is just down on their luck financially.