American saved from Pattaya suicide leap

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Albert Clayton Stroud Jr. sits precariously on the 20th floor ledge at Arbour Hotel and Residence threatening to jump off.

Patient and quick-acting volunteers saved an American man from committing suicide in Pattaya.

Police and Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rescuers talked with Albert Clayton Stroud Jr., 67, for four hours as he sat on a 20th floor ledge at the Arbour Hotel and Residence on Third Road Feb. 11. Finally, as Stroud looked away, one of the volunteers grabbed him and pulled the American to safety.



Stroud had checked into the hotel two days ago and was due to leave that day. But when he didn’t appear, hotel staff opened the door and saw him sitting on the balcony edge and called authorities.

Banglamung District Chief Phisit Sirisawatnukul said Stroud was distressed due to chronic medical problems. Pisit said the American would be hospitalized and meet with a psychologist before being released.


Police and rescue workers console Albert Stroud after he was safely pulled back off the 20th floor ledge.