Retired officer’s daring Chao Phraya River rescue saves mother and baby

A rertired maritime police officer risked his life to save a distressed mother and her three month old baby who had jumped into the Chao Phraya River. Initially claiming she slipped, the mother later admitted to jumping due to stress over her child’s developmental delays.

At 7.50pm yesterday, August 28, rescue teams from Samut Prakan Municipality and the Ruam Kuson Foundation responded to reports of a mother and child falling into the Chao Phraya River near the provincial hall embankment in Samut Prakan.

Upon arrival, rescuers found the three month old boy wrapped in a blanket to keep warm after being pulled from the river. The mother had been holding him when they fell in. A man had jumped in to save both mother and child, ensuring their safety. Emergency responders promptly took the mother and baby to Samut Prakan Hospital for medical evaluation.

Sukanya Sukklin, a 36 year old rescue officer from Samut Prakan Municipality, revealed that the mother, a Myanmar national, initially claimed she slipped into the river. However, upon further questioning, she admitted to intentionally jumping in while holding her baby due to stress over her child’s slow development.

She had been unable to sleep for several nights, worried because her child did not respond when called. The mother clarified that she had not been in an argument with her partner, describing him as a good person who was currently searching for them, unaware of their location.

Thawatchai Klinhom, a 65 year old retired maritime police officer, recounted his experience. While exercising, he noticed a woman walking up to the embankment, holding what appeared to be a doll, reported KhaoSod.

She then jumped into the river. Reacting quickly, he followed her into the water, attempting to pull her out. However, she resisted, kicking him in the face, Thawatchai explained.

“I saw the baby sink twice and realised it wasn’t a doll. I shouted for help because I was exhausted from exercising, but we managed to save both of them.”