BANGKOK – Local water police and rescue volunteers retrieved the body of a 31-year-old municipal law enforcement officer from the Chao Phraya River in Phra Pradaeng on Thursday afternoon. The grim discovery ended a two-day search that began when witnesses saw a man leap into the dark currents from a central Bangkok bridge.
Residents living near Wat Bang Phueng spotted the floating victim around 1:30 PM and immediately alerted emergency responders. Officers from the Phra Pradaeng Police Station quickly arrived by boat to recover the man and prevent the body from drifting further downstream.
Key Takeaways
- A 31-year-old Bangkok municipal inspector (Thessakit) was found deceased in the Chao Phraya River on November 5, 2026.
- Investigators matched the victim’s description to an individual reported jumping from the Memorial Bridge two days prior.
- Police discovered personal identification and cash on the body, with preliminary findings ruling out foul play.
Discovery Near Wat Bang Phueng Pier
Police Lieutenant Phakdeebhumin Daowlomchan led the initial on-site inquiry alongside emergency teams from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. Rescuers carefully towed the floating body toward the temple pier to carry out a formal inspection.
The deceased wore a black crew-neck short-sleeve shirt and dark navy trousers. Medical examiners observed no visible wounds or signs of physical assault, estimating the individual had passed away between two and three days earlier.
Inside the victim’s pocket, detectives discovered a black leather wallet containing more than 1,000 baht in cash, a national identity card, and official agency credentials. Authorities officially identified the victim as Mr. Sathianphong, an employee with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Connection to Memorial Bridge Fall
Detectives reviewing recent missing person files quickly linked the victim to an emergency call logged on Tuesday evening, November 3. During that incident, eyewitnesses saw a young man jump from Memorial Bridge into the fast-flowing water before disappearing.
Physical features and clothing recorded by investigators on the night of the jump matched the recovered body perfectly. Preliminary background checks indicated that the officer had been struggling with deep personal stress and medical depression in recent months.
Local resident Daranee Tapianthong, 62, said community members often see items and debris trapped near the temple pier due to swirling water currents. Nonetheless, she noted that the entire neighborhood felt deeply saddened by the loss of such a young civil servant.
Ongoing Inquiries and Autopsy Procedures
Following on-site processing, forensic personnel transferred the body to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital. Specialists will perform a comprehensive autopsy to verify the precise cause and timeline of death.
Phra Pradaeng investigators continue coordinating with Khlong San police officers to consolidate eyewitness statements and incident reports. Once forensic teams finish their examination, officials will release the remains to the family for traditional funeral rites.
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