Australian man survives six-storey fall from Pattaya hotel balcony; police treat as self-harm

An Australian man survived a six-storey fall from a Pattaya hotel balcony on Wednesday after reportedly cutting his face with a knife before leaping, Thai police said. The 55-year-old man was found in the street below the hotel, and police say there were no immediate signs of foul play.

Pattaya City Hospital staff found the 55-year-old man lying on the road below the hotel, dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, with the bonnet of a parked car caved in from the impact.

Investigators recovered a bloodstained knife in the man's hotel room, and police said the case is being treated as a self-harm incident rather than a crime. Authorities said there were no obvious indications of other people being involved.

A witness cited by Amarin TV said the man, who was staying alone, appeared distressed before he jumped.

The man’s name has not been released, and Thai authorities have notified the Australian Embassy. He remains hospitalized under medical supervision, with doctors describing his condition as serious but stable.

Pattaya, a city known for its nightlife, has frequently attracted attention from international media for its notoriety as a nightlife hub. In recent weeks, there have been other incidents linked to self-harm in the area, underscoring a broader safety discussion around the destination.

Last month, a Scottish man, 68-year-old James Murphy, was treated after sustaining wounds to his neck and wrists outside the Avani Pattaya Hotel; he was later released from hospital. Thai police said they are continuing to investigate the current incident and do not suspect foul play at this stage.