Pattaya —
A 60-year-old British man climbed the abandoned Waterfront Condo construction site in Pattaya in the early hours of May 23rd in a reported attempt to take his own life.
Pattaya police and emergency services were called to the scene at 1:36 AM today, after security guards spotted the man on the second floor of the abandoned project.
The British man, whose name was withheld to protect his privacy, was seen pacing back and forth on a ledge. Authorities spent over 30 minutes negotiating with the 60-year-old man.
Eventually, authorities managed to convince him to climb down. However, he continued to exhibit erratic behavior, possibly due to intoxication, authorities said. The man was then subsequently brought to Pattaya Police Station for further investigation.
According to security guard Mr. Watcharaphon Khanti, 43, he heard noises on the metal sheeting on the building before spotting the victim. When asked, the victim allegedly stated he intended to commit suicide. Mr. Watcharaphon then contacted the authorities, who were thankfully able to resolve the situation professionally.
The Waterfront Condo project, which includes a 53-story condominium building and a 20-story, 315-room hotel, began construction in 2013. However, construction was halted in July 2014 after it faced many lawsuits from citizens and environmental groups who alleged the project was illegal and blocked the viewpoint from the Pattaya Hill.
In the latest development, the Thai Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases acquitted former Pattaya Mayor Ittipol Khunpluem, along with nine associates, in a case concerning his alleged issuance of an unlawful construction permit to the Waterfront Condo project during his tenure.
The acquittal was issued after the case’s 15-year statute of limitations had lapsed.
If you or someone you know is feeling depressed please reach out for help. The Pattaya News suggests the Samaritans of Thailand which can be reached here:
https://www.facebook.com/Samaritans.Thailand/
