Horrific moment schoolboy, 11, gets spike impaled through his NECK after trying to climb over a gate but SURVIVES
The boy slipped at the top because the railings were wet from recent rain
A SCHOOLBOY is lucky to be alive after he was impaled through the NECK on an eight inch long metal spike - after trying to climb over a gate to see his friend.
Tharathep Wanacharoenlap, 11, clambered up the large iron railings but slipped at the top because they were wet from recent rain.
One of the grey rusty spikes speared his neck but miraculously missed any of his vital organs and arteries.
Incredibly, the tough lad held himself up by the arms for TEN minutes before a passers-by came to help and call an ambulance in Chachoengsao, Thailand.
Rescue workers finally cut him free with the metal still embedded in his neck and rushed him to hospital - where he gave nurses the thumbs-up to show he was OK.
Photographer Natarit Noonpradate, who captured the drama on Tuesday afternoon, said: ''He climbs over the gate every day to visit his friend.
''His mum told me his friend is too lazy to come and open it for him as it's about 800 metres from the home.
''This time it was wet and slippy because there had just been a rain storm. He reached the top and slipped.
''After the mistake he put his arms around the top and held himself for ten minutes. When a neighbour saw him they came and supported to take off the weight.
''The gate is about three metres high. It's a miracle he survived.
''The spike missed any important organs. He's a real strong young boy, a fighter.
''When he was in the ambulance the nurses asked him if he was OK and he gave them a thumbs up.''
Tharathep is still recovering in hospital after the accident but should be released within the next few days and is not expected to have any lasting injuries.