Tragedy in Pattaya as 24-year-old French tourist Kurtis Claramunt plunges to his death after a heated phone argument with his girlfriend. Hotel guards tried in vain to stop him as he raged on his balcony before jumping — another grim blow to Pattaya’s tourist reputation.
Pattaya was jolted early Monday when a 24-year-old French tourist plunged to his death from a hotel balcony. Kurtis Antoine Max Claramunt, reportedly high after smoking marijuana and arguing with his girlfriend, jumped from his fifth-floor suite at a South Pattaya hotel. Rescuers found him barely alive with massive internal injuries, a broken leg, and severe blood loss. Despite desperate CPR, he died soon after reaching the hospital. Security guards tried to stop him, but his behaviour turned wild and erratic before the fatal leap. Witnesses watched in horror as he climbed the railing and ignored pleas to come down — another grim addition to Pattaya’s growing toll of tourist tragedies.
Rescue teams rushed 24-year-old French tourist Kurtis Claramunt to hospital Monday morning, but he died moments later. (Source: Siam Chon News)
A 24-year-old French man suffered fatal injuries after jumping from the fifth floor of a hotel in South Pattaya early Monday morning. According to police, the incident occurred at 5:06 a.m. on October 27, 2025, at a hotel in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched.
Lieutenant Bowornsak Bunman, Deputy Investigating Officer at Pattaya City Police Station, coordinated with local emergency volunteers and medical personnel to respond quickly. Consequently, the scene was secured, and first aid began almost immediately.
Rescuers found the man lying in a pool of blood in the hotel parking lot. He was breathing weakly and appeared critically injured. Emergency workers performed CPR while preparing to transport him to Pattaya City Hospital. Despite their efforts, he later died from severe blood loss.
Police confirm French tourist’s fatal fall from fifth-floor hotel balcony after early morning incident
Authorities later identified him as Kurtis Antoine Max Claramunt, a 24-year-old French national. He had sustained severe head trauma and a broken right leg. Furthermore, medical staff reported extensive internal injuries caused by the fall.
Hotel security staff provided key eyewitness accounts. A guard stated that Claramunt climbed along the balcony outside his fifth-floor room before the fall. As security tried to intervene, he briefly descended and then returned to the balcony. Eventually, however, he jumped despite repeated warnings.
Indeed, there was a protracted standoff as security in the hotel tried to save the Frenchman’s life.
According to staff, he had argued loudly on the phone before the incident. They believed the conversation involved his girlfriend. Moreover, the guards reported that Claramunt’s behaviour was increasingly erratic in the hours leading up to the fall.
The security guard recalled attempting to physically stop him. However, the guard said it was impossible due to the man’s location. Instead, he managed to take a single photo of Claramunt on the balcony before alerting authorities.
Security recounts desperate attempt to stop French tourist after frenzied balcony standoff in South Pattaya
Police later inspected Room 514, where Claramunt had been staying alone. They found two bags of marijuana and some smoked material, which were seized as evidence. The room door had been locked from the inside, and no signs of struggle were present. Therefore, investigators suspect the fall was intentional and related to personal relationship stress.
Authorities are coordinating with the individual on the phone to clarify the full circumstances. Furthermore, a full investigation continues. Police emphasised that a careful reconstruction of events is necessary before drawing conclusions.
The Sawang Boriboon Dhammastan Foundation rescue team responded immediately. They worked alongside Pattaya City police officers. There was a concerted effort to stabilise Claramunt and prepare him for transport, even as his body was weakened and devastated by the fall.
Emergency personnel described a chaotic scene, with hotel guests alarmed by the sound of the incident and the presence of medical teams.
Hotel management fully cooperated with authorities. They confirmed that Claramunt, a tourist, had stayed alone during his visit. Additionally, staff reported no prior incidents involving him. Nonetheless, his behaviour had been considered unusual but not threatening until the morning of the incident.
Investigators focus on possible suicide motive as hotel staff and rescuers recount chaotic morning scene
The security guard emphasised the challenge of responding to a potentially suicidal person at a height. He noted that the situation escalated too quickly for intervention. Meanwhile, police continue to gather witness accounts and photos taken at the scene.
Police stressed the importance of mental health awareness in similar cases. They emphasised that emotional distress, particularly over relationship issues, can lead to extreme actions. This is particularly true in Pattaya. Therefore, officers urge friends and family to intervene early when warning signs appear.
Hotel safety protocols are under review. Police recommended more training for staff to recognise signs of distress. In addition, collaboration with emergency services is crucial to prevent similar tragedies.
Preliminary evidence suggests Claramunt’s actions were intentional. However, investigators continue to examine psychological, social, and environmental factors. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure an accurate understanding of the events leading to the jump.
Police urge mental health vigilance and review hotel safety measures after suspected suicide in Pattaya
Of course, the problem is that such incidents are now all too common in Pattaya and other Thai tourist hotspots. Researchers and mental health activists have long been trying to pinpoint the state of mind or consistent peculiarities common to visiting tourists or expatriates. Undoubtedly, this is a chronic problem as the death rate and suicide numbers mount.
Certainly, this is not the first incident where rejection by a girlfriend or relationship partner has led to a violent act of self-harm or suicide.
Authorities also noted that the presence of marijuana in the room is under review. While there is no clear evidence it directly contributed to the fall, it forms part of the broader investigation. Police follow standard procedures to document every relevant detail.
Local residents and tourists reported shock at the incident. The prompt arrival of emergency responders prevented further injury. Authorities praised their rapid response and coordination at the chaotic scene.
Investigators are working closely with French authorities to notify Claramunt’s family. Moreover, officials stated their priority remains to uncover the complete circumstances surrounding the fall.
Rising toll of foreign tourist suicides in Pattaya opens debate on mental health and social isolation abroad
The incident highlights the vulnerability of individuals facing emotional crises. Mental health professionals and law enforcement urge open communication and early support. Furthermore, experts recommend professional help when someone exhibits unusual or dangerous behaviour.
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Police investigators continue to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review security footage. Updates may be provided once the investigations conclude. On the other hand, this will be just another file of a tourist jumping from a height to his death. Sources nevertheless insist that the case will inform future safety and mental health interventions in hotels and public spaces.
This latest Pattaya fall from the fifth floor of a hotel again raised serious concerns, for instance, about hotel safety, emergency preparedness, and mental health support for guests. In the meantime, all Pattaya authorities can do is offer guidance to hotels on how best to minimise what is an ongoing crisis.
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Further reading:
Asian split in two by a 32 story fall from Pattaya building block on Wednesday. Police suspect suicide
Brit tourist’s early morning trans sex worker ordeal at his condo in Pattaya leaves him hospitalised with head cuts
More assault incidents linked with Pattaya Beach and transgender sex workers in the notorious resort city
Japanese tourist warns Pattaya visitors about sexy transgender gang after failed gold snatch on Soi 6
Pattaya punters preyed upon by transgender sex workers in a rash of hotel robberies while showering
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Death sentences for the gruesome Pattaya murder of German property mogul Mr Ralter Mack in July 2023
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Grim end for German property mogul in Pattaya, body cut up and sealed in a freezer by his callous killers
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