A 12-year-old boy has been hailed as a hero after saving a 17-year-old girl who attempted suicide by jumping into the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, November 22, 2024, near Krungthep Bridge in the Bang Kho Laem district. The girl, identified as Natthamon, was pulled to safety by Thanaphat “Klao” Boonkird, whose bravery likely saved her life.
A Desperate Jump and a Cry for Help
At around 7:13 PM, Klao and his friends were fishing on Krungthep Bridge.
While attempting to untangle his fishing line, Klao heard a loud splash and frantic cries for help. Turning toward the river, he saw a young woman struggling in the water.
According to Klao who had an interview with Channel 3, revealed she was yelling, “Help me! I don’t want to die!” despite reportedly jumping from the bridge moments earlier.
Additionally, the drop from the bridge to the water was approximately 20 meters, and the girl was about 50 meters away from the riverbank.
Despite his fear of drowning, Klao—who was the only one among his friends who could swim—immediately jumped into the river and swam toward her.
“I was scared of drowning too, but I had to help,” he later told reporters.
According to the Facebook post by The Ruamkatanyu Foundation, the girl had jumped from the bridge in what appeared to be a suicide attempt.
A Life-Saving Rescue
After reaching the girl, Klao grabbed her arm and pulled her to safety with great difficulty. During the rescue, the girl admitted that she had initially wanted to die but had changed her mind.
Once they reached the shore, Klao and his friends provided her with inhalants to help her recover from exhaustion. At her request, they retrieved her phone from the bridge to contact her friends.
Emergency responders from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation arrived shortly afterward, and the girl was taken to Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital for a health check before being released into her family’s care.
A Mother’s Pride and Concern
Klao’s mother, Suppawan Thai-tanadrop, 31, expressed a mix of disbelief and pride upon learning of her son’s actions
Initially, Klao did not tell her about the incident, likely fearing he would be scolded for taking such a risk. She only discovered what had happened when she asked him about it after his return home.
Reflecting on his actions, Suppawan said, “I was glad to have a son who helps others and is brave. I was happy with what my son did.”
She also advised the young girl to think carefully before acting, reminding her that every problem has a solution and that life always moves forward.
Message of Hope
Klao shared a heartfelt message for the girl he saved: “Please don’t do this again. If I hadn’t been there, there might not have been anyone to help.”
Suppawan also shared advice for Natthamon, urging her to think carefully before making such drastic decisions. “Life’s problems can always be solved, and we can keep moving forward,” she said.
Community Impact
The incident has not only spotlighted the bravery of a 12-year-old but also drawn attention to the importance of mental health awareness.
The outpouring of support for both Klao and Natthamon highlights the value of compassion and the role of community in preventing tragedies.
Watch the video after the rescue here: Facebook
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