This is the dramatic moment a hero customer rescued a drowning woman at a riverside restaurant in Thailand.

Chanatat Patamabuwadl was eating dinner with his friends when he heard the staff scream that a woman had fallen overboard at the floating restaurant along the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi province on November 2.

CCTV footage shows Chanatat leaping over the railings and into the water to save the diner named Nok, who had tripped while walking on her high heels. Staff floated life vests and a life preserver toward the pair. They applauded when Chanatat safely dragged Nok out of the river.

Speaking to local media on November 3, the heroic local said: 'Someone's life was at stake so I did not hesitate to act. My phone, car keys, and luxury watch were all with me when I jumped into the river. I couldn't grab the life vests, but I managed to hold onto the pontoon to avoid drowning myself.'

Restaurant owner Ratchanok said Nok was already fully submerged when Chanatat came to her rescue.

She said: 'My restaurant is equipped with life vests and life buoys along the paths and tables near the river for customer safety but we have never faced an incident like this before. Thank goodness the customer was saved in time.'

The rescued woman Nok said she was still in shock over her near-death experience. She said: 'If it hadn't been for this good Samaritan who jumped in to help me, I definitely wouldn't have survived, so I would like to thank him.'

The Chao Phraya River is a vital transportation and tourism route in Thailand. However, it is also the site of various accidents, often involving ferries, cargo ships, and small tourist boats. The accidents are usually caused by poor weather conditions and navigational challenges, especially during peak seasons or monsoon periods.