Pattaya, Thailand – A 36-year-old woman was rescued from the sea off Pattaya Beach in the early morning after reportedly entering the water heavily intoxicated and drifting for a long time.
Emergency call off Royal Garden Plaza
On 11 April at around 6:06 a.m., the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Radio Center received a report of a missing person in the sea. The incident took place off Pattaya Beach, directly opposite the Royal Garden Plaza.
Volunteer rescuers, Pattaya City Police and a marine operations team were immediately dispatched to the beach. At the scene, they located 36-year-old Ms. Sripan drifting in the water some distance from the shore.
Woman clings to buoy line and appears exhausted
According to the rescue teams, the woman was barely holding on to a rope along the buoy line and appeared completely exhausted. Witnesses said she was visibly struggling to keep her head above water, raising fears that she might not survive without rapid assistance.
On the beach, tourists and onlookers called out to her to return to shore. A concerned helper then used a jet ski to reach her, pull her on board and bring her safely back to land.
First aid: heavy intoxication and wrist injury
After the rescue, responders found that Ms. Sripan was heavily intoxicated and speaking incoherently. They also noted a wound on her left wrist, which was treated on site.
No further injuries were reported beyond exhaustion and the wrist wound. The woman was later taken home by a family member for continued care.
Jet ski operator describes the rescue
The helper, Mr. Tony (39), who runs a jet ski rental business on the beach, told authorities that a beach vendor had alerted him after the woman entered the water.
“I went out immediately, found her drifting at the buoy line and brought her back to the beach without delay.”
said Mr. Tony, jet ski operator.
His quick intervention, supported by the emergency teams, was credited by responders with preventing a possible tragedy in the busy tourist area.
Witness saw woman at 4:30 a.m.
Another witness, Ms. Khaofang (33), reported that she had seen the woman staggering along the beach at around 4:30 a.m. According to her account, the woman put down her bag, took off her shoes and then ran into the sea.
“Because she stayed in the water for an unusually long time, I arranged for help.”
said Ms. Khaofang, witness.
Her concern led to the alert that eventually brought rescue teams and the jet ski operator into action.
Family informed, sister takes her home
Police coordinated contact with Ms. Sripan’s family following the incident. Her younger sister then came to the beach.
She took the woman home so she could receive further care in familiar surroundings. Authorities did not report any additional physical injuries.
Cause unclear: emotional distress and alcohol
Officials said the exact circumstances that led to the incident had not yet been fully clarified. On site, the woman appeared both emotionally distressed and strongly under the influence of alcohol, according to their assessment.
Beyond the wrist wound and clear signs of exhaustion, no other injuries were reported. Observers expressed relief that the events ended without loss of life and spoke of great luck.
Swift action prevents tragedy on tourist beach
According to emergency personnel, the rapid response by the jet ski operator and the rescue teams prevented a potential disaster in the heavily frequented tourist zone. Many bystanders watched the operation unfold from the shore.
Authorities and onlookers highlighted the importance of fast reactions and available rescue equipment on busy beaches like Pattaya Beach, especially in the early morning hours. The case also raised questions locally about preventive safety measures and support for civilian helpers in similar situations.