PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 45-year-old American tourist was seriously injured after allegedly jumping from a second-floor condominium balcony while under the influence of drugs.
Morning incident at Pattaya condominium
According to police statements, the incident occurred on Tuesday morning at about 8:16 a.m. at a condominium on Soi Thapphaya 7. Rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation were alerted after residents reported a fall from a significant height. When responders arrived, they found US citizen Daniel Trabue White (45) lying injured on the ground.
White appeared highly disoriented, with glassy eyes and incoherent speech. He complained of severe pain in his leg and a tightening sensation in his chest before being given first aid and transported to a local hospital.
Residents gather as staff restrict media
Witnesses said residents of the condominium quickly gathered in the courtyard as the situation unfolded. Staff members of the residential complex intervened when media representatives arrived and tried to shield the scene. Journalists were reportedly told to stop filming and leave the premises immediately, and no background information about the complex itself was released.
Friend alleges heavy ketamine use
A close acquaintance of the man, an 18-year-old Thai woman referred to by police under the pseudonym “Miss A”, described her account to officers as a friend of White’s ex-girlfriend. She stated that the American had been heavily under the influence of ketamine beforehand.
“He was shouting loudly in the room before he suddenly ran to the balcony and jumped over the railing.”
said “Miss A”, acquaintance of the injured tourist.
Drugs seized from condominium unit
Police officers subsequently searched the condominium unit involved. They reported finding cannabis and several small zip-lock bags containing a powdery substance classified as a suspected illegal drug. The substances were seized as evidence, and investigators from Banglamung Police Station were assigned to look into the background of the case and possible supply routes.
Investigation into drugs and mental health
According to police, the case was being handled both as a narcotics offence and as a potential incident linked to mental health or substance abuse. Investigators were examining to what extent the man was responsible for his actions and whether other individuals were involved in the possession or use of the seized substances. Further interviews and analysis of the evidence were ongoing.
Risks and unanswered questions
Key risks in the incident included severe injuries from the second-floor fall and the danger of further drug-related incidents around the residential complex. Authorities also pointed to possible long-term health effects from the suspected drug use. Police did not initially disclose the tourist’s current condition but stressed that investigations were continuing and the confiscated substances would be analyzed.