Man Rescued From Footbridge Before Jumping
Police rescued a 36-year-old man from a Saraburi footbridge on July 29 after he climbed onto the railing threatening to jump; officers negotiated with him for hours before pulling him to safety as he struggled with depression, joblessness,
At 10:00 a.m. on July 29, police from Muang Saraburi Station received a report of a man standing outside the railing of a pedestrian footbridge, appearing ready to jump. Officers quickly responded and coordinated with rescue volunteers from Saraburi Sawang Rattanatrai Foundation and municipal firefighters, who deployed fire trucks, airbags, and two covered trucks as safety measures. Large crowds from the nearby fresh market gathered to watch, causing temporary traffic congestion.
Police patiently negotiated with the man for an extended period, positioning officers on both sides of the bridge. When the man appeared to relax and lower his guard, rescue personnel seized the opportunity to rush in, and police officers pulled him safely back onto the bridge to relief from onlookers.
The man, identified as Nai Mai, 36, suffers from depression and epilepsy. He explained he needed to return to Buriram Province for medical treatment but had no money for transportation. He had lost his job and saw no way forward, leading him to climb onto the footbridge intending to end his life.
After the rescue, he was taken to Saraburi Hospital for medical evaluation and mental health care. Police initially provided 300 baht for his train fare back to Buriram Province. The patient remains under the care of the medical team. Police later disclosed that before the incident, Nai Mai had visited the station seeking travel assistance and was referred to a Dharma Center for formal aid procedures, but he subsequently made his way to the footbridge. Fortunately, officials intervened in time.