PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 14-year-old boy was left in critical danger after his neck became entangled in a low-hanging internet cable while riding his motorcycle.
Teen motorcyclist dragged off bike by loose cable
On 2 January, at about 10 p.m., the teenager was riding home on Sukhumvit-Pattaya Soi 15 in East Pattaya when he encountered an unseen hazard. A low-hanging internet cable stretched across the road at chest height, and the boy became caught in it by the neck. He was violently torn from his motorcycle and thrown to the ground, while the unmanned bike sped on and crashed into a grilled chicken stall.
Rescue foundation rushed injured boy to hospital
Volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation quickly arrived at the scene, where they were met with a dramatic sight. The boy lay on the ground with severe neck injuries and abrasions, as rescuers provided first aid and tried to calm him. He was then transported under flashing lights to Pattaya Bhattakum Hospital, where his condition was described as serious but stable, and one first responder said,
“It could have ended fatally.”
said a first responder.
Residents outraged over long-ignored hazard
Anger in the neighborhood was high, with residents saying that sagging utility lines in the area had nearly caused accidents many times.
“One of these lines has been dangling loose and unsecured for weeks. This is a serious danger,”
said a local resident. Locals urgently called on the city administration to finally act and secure the cables, insisting that a tourist city like Pattaya could not tolerate such risks.
Witnesses describe horrifying moments
An eyewitness to the crash recalled the shocking seconds of the incident.
“There was a terrible noise. Then the boy was just lying there. The cable was like a noose.”
said an eyewitness. The summoned rescue workers confirmed the danger posed by the deteriorating infrastructure, noting that many cables were mounted too low or not properly repaired after storms.
Fears for Pattaya’s reputation as safe destination
A concerned local woman voiced both sympathy and a warning to officials.
“We hope the boy recovers quickly. But the authorities must act now before someone dies,”
commented a concerned resident. The incident was seen as damaging to the image of the world-famous holiday city, where safety for tourists and residents was expected to be a top priority.
Calls grow for urgent inspection and long-term fixes
The loose cables were described as a symbol of neglected maintenance, threatening Pattaya’s reputation as a reliable travel destination. Citizens demanded an immediate inspection of all supply lines in the city, with low-hanging cables to be secured without delay. In the longer term, residents said cables must be properly routed at sufficient height or placed underground, leaving city officials and utility companies under pressure as this accident was seen as a warning that the next case could be fatal.