PATTAYA, THAILAND – Emergency crews in Pattaya rescued a terrified house painter from a rooftop after he reportedly took methamphetamine and believed he was being hunted.
Late-night alarm in residential soi
Shortly after 1 a.m. on 13 December 2025, rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon Pattaya and officers from the Nong Prue police station were called to Soi Phatthanakan 15. Residents had alerted authorities after a man shouted loudly for help and behaved erratically, repeatedly claiming he was being followed and was in serious danger.
Terrified man found lying on rooftop
On the roof of a residential house, responders found a Thai man identified only as Mr. Rin, aged around 30 to 35 and originally from Surin province. He was lying face down, showed clear signs of extreme fear and was barely responsive, repeatedly saying that people were after him and that he no longer felt safe.
Careful rescue with spineboard
To bring the visibly frightened man down safely, the rescue team used a spineboard, normally employed for suspected spinal injuries. With great caution, they lowered Mr. Rin from the roof while dozens of local residents watched the tense operation from the street.
Methamphetamine use as trigger
During an initial on-site questioning, Mr. Rin stated that he had taken a Yaba pill, a locally common form of methamphetamine. He said the drug had caused severe hallucinations and that, fearing for his life, he had climbed onto the roof to hide from his supposed pursuers. Police also learned that he worked in the area as a house painter.
Medical checks and possible charges
After being secured, the man received first aid and was then taken to a hospital so his condition could be assessed. Nong Prue police announced that they would carry out a formal drug test, which would serve as the basis for charges of illegal drug use under applicable law.
Authorities warn of Yaba dangers
According to responders, the case highlighted the acute risks of methamphetamine consumption, including sudden hallucinations, intense anxiety and self-endangerment through reckless attempts to flee. Authorities regularly warn that potent synthetic drugs such as Yaba can quickly lead to uncontrollable behaviour and serious physical and psychological consequences.
“Sudden hallucinations, massive states of anxiety and dangerous escape attempts can put users and responding teams in life-threatening situations.”
said emergency responders, according to initial reports.
“Strong synthetic drugs like Yaba can trigger uncontrollable behaviour and severe physical and mental harm within a very short time.”
said local authorities, reiterating their warning about methamphetamine use.