PATTAYA, Thailand – A painter high on methamphetamine sparked a dramatic late-night rescue operation after he climbed onto a residential rooftop, convinced that people were chasing him to kill him.

The incident occurred at around 1:00 a.m. on Friday, 13 December 2025, in Soi Phatthanakan 15.

Rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon Pattaya and officers from Nong Prue Police Station rushed to the scene after residents reported a man screaming for help and behaving erratically.

On the rooftop, authorities found a Thai man, later identified only as Mr Rin (surname withheld), aged approximately 30–35, from Surin province, lying prone in a state of extreme fear. He was incoherent and repeatedly claimed that people were pursuing him with intent to kill.

Rescuers had to use a spinal board to carefully lower the terrified man to the ground, an operation watched anxiously by dozens of local residents.

During initial questioning, Mr Rin admitted that he had taken one methamphetamine (yaba) pill earlier that night. The drug triggered severe hallucinations, leading him to believe his life was in danger. In panic, he scaled the roof in an attempt to escape his imagined pursuers.

Police later learned that Mr Rin works as a house painter in the area.

After being brought down safely, he was given first aid and taken to hospital. Nongprue police will conduct a drug test and proceed with charges related to illegal drug use in accordance with Thai law.