PATTAYA, Thailand – A 16-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after nearly drowning during a late-night birthday gathering on the beach in Pattaya early Sunday, March 8.
Rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon responded around 12:30 a.m. after receiving reports of a person pulled from the sea near Pattaya Beach Road Soi 13/4.
The teenager, identified only as “Pla Krap” (alias), was found lying on the sand semi-conscious and struggling to breathe after friends dragged him from the water. Rescue workers provided first aid before transporting him urgently to hospital.
Friends told responders the group of six teenagers had gathered on the beach to celebrate a birthday and had been drinking alcohol before entering the sea. While playing and mock wrestling in the water, the boy was reportedly held underwater during horseplay and began choking on seawater.
The group quickly pulled him ashore and called for help when he collapsed on the sand. Authorities are reminding beachgoers to avoid dangerous water play and alcohol consumption while swimming.
