By Editor

 

Somkiat Chantra, the first Thai rider to win a race in the world championships for motorcycles, has been hailed by the government as a “national hero.”

 

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn made the remark during a Tuesday (17 May) meeting with the Idemitsu Honda Team Asia driver following his third-place finish at the French Grand Prix in Le Mans on Sunday (15 May).

 

It was Somkiat’s third podium finish of the season, following victories in Indonesia and Argentina.

 

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With his victory at the Indonesian Grand Prix in March, the Thai rider made history by becoming the first Thai rider to win in any class of Grand Prix racing. Then, he placed second at the Grand Prix of Argentina for his second consecutive podium finish.

 

The next race is the Italian Grand Prix on May 29.

 

The Chon Buri native, who is ranked seventh in the world championship standings, has stated that he hopes to earn at least two more victories this season, especially in the home race at Buri Ram in October.

 

Somkiat also announced his intention to possibly compete in the MotoGP elite class in the near future.

 

Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/05/thai-moto2-rider-hailed-as-a-national-hero/

 

-- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-05-21

 

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A National hero? Really?  What about the trio of golfers or the everyday heroes who survive the Thai roadways for that matter....

Somkiat Chantra is a good rider but to place a label of "National Hero" is taking it a little too far

In the pic. of him holding his trophy is he saying   Whassup !

18 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

A National hero? Really?  What about the trio of golfers or the everyday heroes who survive the Thai roadways for that matter....

Thailand is scrambling for any kind of good recognition from anywhere

Just shows how low the bar is set. God help us if they ever produce a Valentino Rossi, a Lionel Messi, a Roger Federer or a Tyson Fury.

 

The "soft power" would be rock hard.

Guy can ride, nothing to say here. Good luck to him. 

Where's his mango sticky rice?

 

3 hours ago, billd766 said:

Thailand is scrambling for any kind of good recognition from anywhere

When your scraping the barrel for any good news , Phipat will jump on anything.

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Just shows how low the bar is set. God help us if they ever produce a Valentino Rossi, a Lionel Messi, a Roger Federer or a Tyson Fury.

 

The "soft power" would be rock hard.

They have three Female Thai golfers who are in the top 50 of the LPGA, with one ranked 5th in the world and 8 ranked in the top 100 including two sisters.

There have been a few good sports people over the years, snooker and tennis included, do not ask me to name them????

6 hours ago, toofarnorth said:

In the pic. of him holding his trophy is he saying   Whassup !

Or has Pla Ra on his tongue. 

2 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

They have three Female Thai golfers who are in the top 50 of the LPGA, with one ranked 5th in the world and 8 ranked in the top 100 including two sisters.

The problem with that is that they are female, and males are losing face as they are not as good as the women.

7 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

A National hero? Really?  What about the trio of golfers or the everyday heroes who survive the Thai roadways for that matter....

Yes, because it is impossible to imagine heros in more than one sport or activity. Adding praise to one DOES NOT take it away from others. Let 'em enjoy ya whinger.

48 minutes ago, billd766 said:

The problem with that is that they are female, and males are losing face as they are not as good as the women.

They could always claim Tiger Woods as a National Hero since he is of Thai heritage....but then most Thais do not like Luk Krueng

1 minute ago, mikebike said:

Yes, because it is impossible to imagine heros in more than one sport or activity. Adding praise to one DOES NOT take it away from others. Let 'em enjoy ya whinger.

You make me laugh even more by calling me a Whinger.  Maybe a wing nut but far from a moaner and Whinger. Read below and tell me more @mikebike

 

https://www.reference.com/world-view/national-hero-fc4ebd24ec6e5fd9

 

What Is a National Hero?

A national hero is a person who makes significant contributions to the development of society and is admired for any of a number of qualities, including courage and outstanding achievements. The national hero is seen as a representative of society as a whole.

 

Often, a national hero has qualities that make him stand out, such as commitment, self-sacrifice and dedication to national ideals. He generally demonstrates leadership qualities and ethical behavior, showing love for his country. The national hero is one who has enriched the lives of others through his contributions to society, and he may be recognized among his peers or professional organizations.

Another Muppet getting his photo op and name in the media on the back of someone else's achievements, while doing absolutely nothing himself.

With a Kalex frame and Triumph engine.... where does Honda come into it ?

Seems like quite a few people are perpetually nursing a hangover.

 

Kudos to the young man. Hopefully he makes it in the big league and maybe even make a statement about safe riding in this country. 

18 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

You make me laugh even more by calling me a Whinger.  Maybe a wing nut but far from a moaner and Whinger. Read below and tell me more @mikebike

 

https://www.reference.com/world-view/national-hero-fc4ebd24ec6e5fd9

 

What Is a National Hero?

A national hero is a person who makes significant contributions to the development of society and is admired for any of a number of qualities, including courage and outstanding achievements. The national hero is seen as a representative of society as a whole.

 

Often, a national hero has qualities that make him stand out, such as commitment, self-sacrifice and dedication to national ideals. He generally demonstrates leadership qualities and ethical behavior, showing love for his country. The national hero is one who has enriched the lives of others through his contributions to society, and he may be recognized among his peers or professional organizations.

Ok. I'll change "whinger" to "pedantic whinger".

 

Chandra certainly fulfills a good number of the dictionary definition's key points. But I seriously doubt the original statement was meant as a pedantic regurgitation of the dictionary, but rather a loose and genuine form of praise.

 

Lighten up brother!

A real national hero. 

 

 

 

 

34 minutes ago, zzaa09 said:

A real national hero. 

 

 

 

 

No doubt. But how does his story play with 18-20 yr old boys in 2022? National heros in widely different endeavours is a good thing. Being seen on the international stage whether sports, politics, science or entertainment spurs on the next generation. Degradation of accomplishments in any field is a strange mindset. 

Good on him. National hero? Nup. Someone takes out Prayut now that would be a national hero.

Really folks, cummon... the fact is that "national hero" is as subjective as it gets. In the USA 1/2 the population would say Ronald Reagan is a "national hero" - the other 1/2 would not. Is Greta Thunburg a "national hero"? Is Muhammed Ali a "national hero"? 

 

Its all subjective, and debating whether or not a particular person IS a "national hero" is an exercise in futility and hardly worth the effort of the debate.

6 minutes ago, mikebike said:

Really folks, cummon... the fact is that "national hero" is as subjective as it gets. In the USA 1/2 the population would say Ronald Reagan is a "national hero" - the other 1/2 would not. Is Greta Thunburg a "national hero"? Is Muhammed Ali a "national hero"? 

 

Its all subjective, and debating whether or not a particular person IS a "national hero" is an exercise in futility and hardly worth the effort of the debate.

It obviously bothers you that some of us make a distinction between a National Hero and then someone who won an event.  Time to go on your way

On 5/21/2022 at 6:22 PM, JonnyF said:

Just shows how low the bar is set. God help us if they ever produce a Valentino Rossi, a Lionel Messi, a Roger Federer or a Tyson Fury.

 

The "soft power" would be rock hard.

That 'low bar' you mention is a class of riders who rate as the best upcomers in the world, competing in one of the most closely fought categories of motor racing globally. Show a little respect.

8 hours ago, mikebike said:

Really folks, cummon... the fact is that "national hero" is as subjective as it gets. In the USA 1/2 the population would say Ronald Reagan is a "national hero" - the other 1/2 would not. Is Greta Thunburg a "national hero"? Is Muhammed Ali a "national hero"? 

 

Its all subjective, and debating whether or not a particular person IS a "national hero" is an exercise in futility and hardly worth the effort of the debate.

USA national heroes are usually as dumb as the rest of Americans so not really a good example.

20 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

With a Kalex frame and Triumph engine.... where does Honda come into it ?

They sponsor the rider. All the racing bikes in his category (Moto 2) use Triumph engines.

4 hours ago, SmartyMarty said:

That 'low bar' you mention is a class of riders who rate as the best upcomers in the world, competing in one of the most closely fought categories of motor racing globally. Show a little respect.

Couple of wins in Moto 2 and currently 7th in the Championship. Not to be sniffed at but it's not exactly Valentino Rossi either, it's basically the kids class. If he moves up to MotoGP and secures a Championship or two I think he might be worthy of the title "National Hero", although even then I have reservations about making 'heroes' out of sportsmen, I'd rather apply the tag to people who do good, selfless work for the community, breakthroughs in medicine etc.

 

But like I said, when you very rarely win anything on the international stage I guess you have to take what you can get. Also, politicians love to try and bask in the achievements of others and stoke up a bit of nationalism, especially when a gullible audience is waiting to lap it up as you have done.

39 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Couple of wins in Moto 2 and currently 7th in the Championship. Not to be sniffed at but it's not exactly Valentino Rossi either, it's basically the kids class. If he moves up to MotoGP and secures a Championship or two I think he might be worthy of the title "National Hero", although even then I have reservations about making 'heroes' out of sportsmen, I'd rather apply the tag to people who do good, selfless work for the community, breakthroughs in medicine etc.

 

But like I said, when you very rarely win anything on the international stage I guess you have to take what you can get. Also, politicians love to try and bask in the achievements of others and stoke up a bit of nationalism, especially when a gullible audience is waiting to lap it up as you have done.

Hop on a bike and show us what you can do Jonny.