PATTAYA, Thailand — A Pattaya police officer is being widely praised on social media after rescuing a kitten trapped inside a vehicle’s engine compartment, highlighting a moment of compassion beyond routine duty.
The incident took place on the evening of May 2 along Jomtien Second Road, when 42-year-old Thanitta Boriboon pulled over after hearing persistent meowing coming from the front of her car while driving to dinner with a friend.
Concerned, she stopped and opened the hood to investigate, but was unable to locate or safely retrieve the animal.
At that moment, Police Corporal Pongpat Thakamin, a patrol officer from Pattaya City Police Station, happened to pass by on a motorcycle while on area patrol. Noticing the vehicle parked roadside with its hood open, he immediately stopped to offer assistance.
Upon inspection, the officer discovered a kitten lodged beneath the car and within the engine compartment. After assessing the situation, he asked the driver to reposition the vehicle safely before carefully reaching in to rescue the kitten.
The animal was successfully freed without injury, and no one involved was harmed.
Grateful for the help, Thanitta recorded a video of the rescue and later shared it on social media, where it quickly gained attention and drew widespread praise for the officer’s kindness and quick response.
Police Corporal Pongpat later said he had been off duty at the time but stopped out of instinct upon seeing a motorist in possible distress.
“I’m glad I could help both the kitten and the owner,” he said, adding that assisting the public remains a core part of his role.
The incident has been seen as a positive reflection of Pattaya police, reinforcing public trust and highlighting the human side of law enforcement in everyday situations.
