Drunk soldier rescued after showing off to woman by jumping into canal in central Thailand

The Sawang Rattana Trai Rescue Team successfully rescued a drunk Thai soldier who, in an attempt to impress a woman, jumped into a canal under the Rattana Makkah Bridge in the central province of Saraburi and nearly drowned.

Police received a report of a drunk Thai soldier jumping into the canal at 9pm yesterday, November 13, and coordinated with the Sawang Rattana Trai Rescue Team. More than 20 officers rushed to the scene to rescue the soldier, and many locals in the area came to watch the rescue.

Rescuers spotted the soldier lying over a cluster of water hyacinths and immediately abseiled from the bridge to provide the intoxicated man with a life jacket. The soldier refused help at first. The rescuers had to talk to him, urging him to remain calm so they could facilitate the rescue.

The rescuer then negotiated a jet ski to the scene and picked up the soldier. The soldier was safe but still under the influence of alcohol. He revealed his motive for jumping but urged the press to conceal his identity and rank.

The soldier revealed that he was drunk and had driven his pickup to enjoy the atmosphere on the bridge. He met a woman on the bridge and flirted with her. The woman asked him to prove he was a real soldier by jumping into the canal to show off his skills.

Under the influence of alcohol, the soldier said he was too sure of his skills and immediately jumped into the canal. The bridge is said to be 80 metres above the water. Fortunately, the water hyacinth clusters helped the soldier to float.

Channel 3 reported that the senior soldier later arrived at the scene to escort the soldier back to his quarters. He could face charges of drunk driving and more under soldier rules.