Australian man survives six-storey fall in Pattaya; police treat incident as self-harm

An Australian man survived a six-storey fall from a Pattaya hotel balcony on Wednesday, with police describing the incident as a possible self-harm case. The 55-year-old was found on a road below the balcony, dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, as local police and Pattaya City Hospital staff responded to the scene.

Thai police said the man had facial slashes when found and appeared to have cut his face before jumping from the balcony. Investigators said a bloodstained knife was located in his hotel room, and the bonnet of a parked car near the crash site was dented from the impact. Police have said there is no sign of foul play and are treating the case as a potential self-harm incident while they review security footage and gather witness statements. A witness told authorities that the man had been staying alone in the room and appeared distressed prior to the jump.

The incident occurred in Pattaya, a coastal city known for its nightlife and tourism. The area has been described in some media as a nightlife hotspot, with Pattaya often labeled as a place where visitors, including retirees, come for entertainment and combatting calm. Police have not released the man’s name, and officials have notified the Australian Embassy of the incident as they continue to gather details.

The man remains in Pattaya City Hospital under medical supervision, with doctors describing his condition as serious but stable. Hospital officials confirmed he is receiving intensive care and ongoing monitoring as investigators continue their work at the scene and in the hotel room.

The Pattaya region has seen other high-profile self-harm or distress incidents in recent weeks. Last month, a 68-year-old Scottish man, James Murphy, allegedly attempted suicide and was found in a pool of blood outside the Avani Pattaya Hotel, suffering wounds to his neck and wrists. He was treated and later released from hospital. The Daily Mail has said it has contacted Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment on that case as part of ongoing reporting.

Thai police have stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that there is no evidence at this time of foul play. Authorities have not disclosed whether the case will involve further legal proceedings or potential hotel safety reviews, but security and welfare measures for visitors in Pattaya’s nightlife corridors are expected to be reviewed as part of standard procedures following such incidents.