A Bangkok fireman in a Spiderman costume saved an 11-year-old autistic boy from falling from a four-storey building at Srinakharinwirot University yesterday.

Klong Toei Fire Station officials rushed to the scene with an air cushion after being alerted that teachers at the special needs centre were trying to talk down a crying pupil from a third-floor balcony.

The boy's mother arrived an hour later and suggested that her son would listen to a superhero character. Fireman Somchai Yoosabai changed into a Spiderman costume that's normally used to entertain kids during fire drills. The sight of his hero holding a glass of juice for him brought a big smile to the boy's face and he rushed to embrace Spidey.

A teacher who asked not to be named said this had been the boy's first day in class. He suddenly began crying for his mother and then ran out onto the balcony.