In the early hours of August 12, quick thinking and coordinated rescue efforts prevented a potential tragedy at Pattaya Beach. A bystander’s courage, backed by volunteer rescuers and police, brought a young woman to safety after she was pulled unconscious from the water near Soi 6.
Heroic Bystander and Rescue Teams Save Woman
A 25-year-old local man, Chonsit Buarung, known as Dod, has been praised for his prompt action when he noticed a young woman disappear beneath the waves. Chonsit, who had been relaxing on the beach with friends, told rescuers he saw the woman drinking with companions before she was left alone, then later enter the sea and vanish from view — he entered the water to pull her to shore and immediately alerted authorities.
Rescue personnel from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation’s rescue centre and Pattaya City Police arrived quickly after receiving the emergency call. Upon reaching the scene near Soi 6, they found a crowd of Thai and foreign tourists gathered and the woman unconscious and convulsing; she was given first aid on site before being rushed to Pattaya City Hospital for emergency treatment.
Quick Reflexes, Teamwork Avert Morning Tragedy
The collective response — a concerned bystander, volunteer rescuers, and police — illustrates how public vigilance and coordinated emergency services can save lives. Chonsit’s quick reflexes and willingness to act were crucial in the minutes before professional help arrived, demonstrating the difference a single person can make in a life-or-death situation.
Volunteer teams provided immediate care and transported the unidentified woman to Pattaya City Hospital, where medical staff continue to monitor her condition. The sight of both Thai and international tourists gathered on the shore highlighted how such incidents can affect diverse communities visiting Pattaya and underscored the need for public safety awareness in popular beach areas.
Uncertain Cause: Alcohol or Accidental Drowning?
Officials have not yet determined the precise cause of the incident and are investigating whether the woman, believed to be between 20 and 30 years old, was under the influence of alcohol or if she accidentally drowned while swimming. She had no personal identification on her when rescued, and authorities are exploring all possibilities, including the less likely scenario of intentional self-harm.
This event was reported by The Pattaya News and serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with alcohol consumption near water and the importance of keeping an eye on companions. In a related incident, a man drowned trying to swim across the Suvarnabhumi Canal in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan on July 27; although he signalled for help before sinking, rescue divers recovered his body hours later following a traditional ritual, underscoring that not all water emergencies end with a rescue.
The Pattaya Beach rescue highlights both the risks present in recreational water environments and the lifesaving impact of swift action by bystanders and emergency responders. As the rescued woman receives medical care and authorities continue their investigation, the episode reinforces the value of vigilance and preparedness whenever people gather near water.
