Student plunges from a five-story college edifice, sustained severe injuries from falling
In the early hours of Monday, July 21, 2025, a 19-year-old female university student in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, found herself in a critical condition after a harrowing fall from the fifth floor of a faculty building on campus.
The incident occurred around 8.30am at the north side of a five-storey business administration faculty building. Witnesses reported seeing the student climb onto a fifth-floor balcony before jumping, an act that left her critically injured on the lawn below.
The student, who is in her second year studying management, has a documented history of depression and had previously received treatment for her condition. A friend confirmed her ongoing struggles with mental health.
Rescue teams from the Sawang Metta Tham Foundation arrived quickly on the scene to find the student conscious but severely injured. Despite the height of the fall, she was able to whisper requests for water and attempted to move, demonstrating a remarkable will to survive. Initial assessments revealed both legs were broken and mutilated, she had severe chest pain, and imaging later confirmed a fractured pelvis and a punctured lung from trapped air in the pleural cavity.
She was immediately rushed to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, where she was admitted to the intensive care unit in a coma. After initial emergency treatment, her condition slightly improved: she regained consciousness and was able to respond to questions, providing hope for her recovery. She underwent surgery to address her multiple injuries, and her medical team continues to monitor her closely due to the severity of her trauma.
The incident has sparked renewed public discussion about mental health support for university students in Thailand, particularly the pressures faced by young adults in academic settings. Commentators emphasized the need for early intervention, stronger institutional support systems, and the role of families in recognizing and addressing mental health issues. The student’s history of depression highlights the ongoing challenge of identifying and supporting at-risk individuals before crises occur.
The student's survival has been described as "miraculous" given the circumstances. As she continues her physical recovery, her case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accessible mental health services and the potential consequences of untreated depression among university students. While the physical recovery path will be long and challenging, the student’s survival offers a rare opportunity to reflect on prevention, support, and the resilience of those battling mental illness.
In the words of the student herself, "Sometimes living with depression feels like falling from a building every single day. ... Maybe now, real change can begin to happen." The incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health policies and community awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Amid the ongoing discussions regarding mental health support for university students, this incident serves as a strong testament to the importance of accessible mental health services. The student, involved in a harrowing fall that highlighted her struggles with depression, poignantly stated, "Sometimes living with depression feels like falling from a building every single day." This tragic event underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health policies and increased community awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
