Buriram students save woman from suicide attempt near canal

A group of students from Buriram Agricultural and Technology College and Buriram Technical College saved a female student from Rajabhat University who attempted to take her own life by jumping into the ancient La Lom Canal in Buriram.

A female student from a well-known university in Buriram jumped into the second section of the ancient La Lom Canal within Buriram Municipality. Fortunately, several students from nearby colleges, who were sitting by the canal, witnessed the event and promptly intervened.

They managed to rescue the distressed student from the water and immediately alerted the Sawang Chanathip Rescue Unit, who arrived swiftly to transport the young woman to Buriram Hospital for medical and psychological assessment.

Upon investigating the scene, the rescue team found a handwritten farewell letter at the spot where the student had been sitting before her attempt.

“My name is Preem. I have thought this through thoroughly. Thank you for loving and embracing me. Depression is terrifying.”

The note included her full name and was placed beside her mobile phone, sandals, and car keys.

Lucky rescue

Surasit Khunkaewphanao, a first-year student at Buriram Technical College and one of the rescuers, recounted the event. He said he was relaxing with three friends about 30 metres from where the young woman was sitting alone, dressed in a shop shirt and shorts.

After a while, they saw her jump into the canal. Without hesitation, Surasit, his friends, and others nearby who were either relaxing or exercising rushed to her aid. They managed to pull her out of the water, where she was found choking and crying before the rescue team transported her to the hospital.

Another student, Panadda Aekarun, from the Agricultural College, shared her experience. She explained that she was also sitting with friends when she heard a splash.

Initially, they thought someone might be fishing, but upon hearing distressing sounds, they quickly went to investigate. They discovered the farewell note at the scene, which included the student’s full name.

Panadda then realised that the person in distress was the elder sister of one of her classmates. She immediately contacted her friend and quickly notified the rescue team to ensure the young woman received urgent medical attention.

The letter and subsequent information from her younger brother, who is Panadda’s classmate, confirmed that the student had been suffering from depression and had previously been hospitalised for her condition, reported KhaoSod.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.