The 11 Year-Old Hero Of The Great Krabi Flood

[webfact]

The little hero of the great Krabi flood

By Thoranit Pirunlaong, sitthichai sikawat

The Nation

Krabi

An 11 year-old boy has emerged as a hero after he rescued a very young sibling from raging torrents of floodwater two days ago.

"Because water gushed down so fast and furiously, we were swept away. Then, I saw my brother trapped between two small branches of a tree," Jakkrit Chusri recounted. "I myself fell down and tried my best to stand up again."

Displaying an amazing sense of composure, Jakkrit then waded through the floodwater to reach his twoyearold brother and carried him on the back.

The older boy did not put his little brother down until they found help.

Both boys sustained bruises across their bodies and were sent to Khao Phanom Hospital.

The young survivors are now anxiously waiting for news about their parents and their other sibling, but government officials are keeping everybody in the dark.

For so many victims in Krabi, what happened on Wednesday was the worst disaster of their lives.

"My life will never be the same again. No one can bring back my loved ones," Somkid Thongniam, 35, said yesterday.

Gone were her parentsinlaws, as well as her husband's brother, sister and both their spouses.

After violent torrents of water swept them away, no one saw them again.

"All we can do now is pray for the recovery of their bodies," Somkid said, as her husband sat silently.She said when the floodwater crashed in, her husband rushed their three children to safety but could not rescue more.

"Our livelihood is gone, too. Our rubber plantation was completely ravaged. We have tended to these trees for seven years but there's nothing left now," this disaster victim said.

Was Panpanom, 61, said he had never seen such a terrifying disaster firsthand before. "Everything was flattened," he said.

-- The Nation 2011-04-01

[KKK]

Well one Jakkrit, you should be given a medal.

[WarpSpeed]

While not intending to diminish this boys accomplishments I don't consider the saving of one's own family to be anything more then a great deed by a big brother and would expect nothing less of nay family member. We tend to use the term "hero" in too loose a term these days. The case would be different if he saved someone else's 2 year old who was unrelated..

Good effort for saving his baby brother but "hero" is a tad melodramatic..

Edited April 1, 2011 by WarpSpeed

[sbk]

There is no good deed that cannot be diminished by negativity it would seem.

[Mugg]

While not intending to diminish this boys accomplishments I don't consider the saving of one's own family to be anything more then a great deed by a big brother and would expect nothing less of nay family member. We tend to use the term "hero" in too loose a term these days. The case would be different if he saved someone else's 2 year old who was unrelated..

Good effort for saving his baby brother but "hero" is a tad melodramatic..

I think the only one that can really answer that is his baby brother. I am sure his baby brother looks to his big brother as a hero, when he is handed the last portion of rice when too many mouths to feed. Sounds as if he has what it takes, the right Stuff , so to speak.

[WarpSpeed]

There is no good deed that cannot be diminished by negativity it would seem.

Oh booo hooo!!! Negativity? By whose judgement? Or is it just a differing point of view from your own?

I myself have been twice saved by my older brothers and sisters from drowning and neither I nor they consider themselves hero's, no media coverage, no public melodrama, you just do what is right for your family.. A stranger that is a different thing..

Edited April 1, 2011 by WarpSpeed

[sbk]

Thank you for your response, I rest my case.

[geriatrickid]

There is no good deed that cannot be diminished by negativity it would seem.

Not negativity, but reality from some. Every tragedy requires a tale of hope, of bravery, of courage to lift the spirits of those that have suffered. The scenes of devastation are heartbreaking as are the stories of families destroyed. My friend who's family is in Trang told me his village was innundated with flood waters waist deep.

The press and the government everywhere respond to people that have suffered a tragedy by trying to keep people calm and by looking for something that will bolster spirits. My experience suggests that the story was not as glorious as it is being made out to be. That doesn't mean I am denigrating the kid or saying something didn't happen. However, stories like this get a visit from the spin specialists before they are splashed across the headlines. My point is that one shouldn't dismiss some people's hesitation to fully embrace the story as their being negative Neds & Nellies.

Hopefully everyone will agree that the kid did good and deserves praise for that. Maybe not a conventional hero, but a responsible kid.

Edited April 1, 2011 by geriatrickid

[Mugg]

There is no good deed that cannot be diminished by negativity it would seem.

Oh booo hooo!!! Negativity? By whose judgement? Or is it just a differing point of view from your own?

I myself have been twice saved by my older brothers and sisters from drowning and neither I nor they consider themselves hero's, no media coverage, no public melodrama, you just do what is right for your family.. A stranger that is a different thing..

I am in tears here LMAO, What other possibilities are there, that your family members were always there when you fell in the water? LOL Your comments are welcome, although now I know the root cause..

[Mugg]

There is no good deed that cannot be diminished by negativity it would seem.

Not negativity, but reality from some. Every tragedy requires a tale of hope, of bravery, of courage to lift the spirits of those that have suffered. The scenes of devastation are heartbreaking as are the stories of families destroyed. My friend who's family is in Trang told me his village was innundated with flood waters waist deep.

The press and the government everywhere respond to people that have suffered a tragedy by trying to keep people calm and by looking for something that will bolster spirits. My experience suggests that the story was not as glorious as it is being made out to be. That doesn't mean I am denigrating the kid or saying something didn't happen. However, stories like this get a visit from the spin specialists before they are splashed across the headlines. My point is that one shouldn't dismiss some people's hesitation to fully embrace the story as their being negative Neds & Nellies.

Hopefully everyone will agree that the kid did good and deserves praise for that. Maybe not a conventional hero, but a responsible kid.

Well said man... Look as though he might need to draw on some more courage, as they try and locate his parents

[geriatrickid]

Well said man... Look as though he might need to draw on some more courage, as they try and locate his parents

Not to get all soggy on people, but you make the real point of this thread, the poor fellow doesn't have his parents. The heroism is going to come in trying to cope with that. No child should have to suffer this. Possessions can be replaced. A kid's mum and dad can't.

[WarpSpeed]

There is no good deed that cannot be diminished by negativity it would seem.

Not negativity, but reality from some. Every tragedy requires a tale of hope, of bravery, of courage to lift the spirits of those that have suffered. The scenes of devastation are heartbreaking as are the stories of families destroyed. My friend who's family is in Trang told me his village was innundated with flood waters waist deep.

The press and the government everywhere respond to people that have suffered a tragedy by trying to keep people calm and by looking for something that will bolster spirits. My experience suggests that the story was not as glorious as it is being made out to be. That doesn't mean I am denigrating the kid or saying something didn't happen. However, stories like this get a visit from the spin specialists before they are splashed across the headlines. My point is that one shouldn't dismiss some people's hesitation to fully embrace the story as their being negative Neds & Nellies.

Hopefully everyone will agree that the kid did good and deserves praise for that. Maybe not a conventional hero, but a responsible kid.

Thank you Kid for a balanced perspective and echoing my sentiments exactly not a "hero" in the accepted definition but definitely a courageous, brave and caring young man as I stated as well, not surprisingly though that part was overlooked...

Edited April 1, 2011 by WarpSpeed

[sbk]

Flames deleted.

[Nip]

While not intending to diminish this boys accomplishments I don't consider the saving of one's own family to be anything more then a great deed by a big brother and would expect nothing less of nay family member. We tend to use the term "hero" in too loose a term these days. The case would be different if he saved someone else's 2 year old who was unrelated..

Good effort for saving his baby brother but "hero" is a tad melodramatic..

In every country there are the miserable few who decry positive news stories. How is it they all seem to be massing in Thailand and camped and circle around the Thaivisa Forums. Thaivisa is a great medium for positive thinking and help but it is sad but normal to view such inane useless comments like this.

[WarpSpeed]

While not intending to diminish this boys accomplishments I don't consider the saving of one's own family to be anything more then a great deed by a big brother and would expect nothing less of nay family member. We tend to use the term "hero" in too loose a term these days. The case would be different if he saved someone else's 2 year old who was unrelated..

Good effort for saving his baby brother but "hero" is a tad melodramatic..

In every country there are the miserable few who decry positive news stories. How is it they all seem to be massing in Thailand and camped and circle around the Thaivisa Forums. Thaivisa is a great medium for positive thinking and help but it is sad but normal to view such inane useless comments like this.

Prey tell where did that happen??? In every country there is those that wear rose colored glasses and want to describe every single act of someone doing what should only be the right thing and labeling it heroism which cheapens the real title and act of heroism.. I know what being a hero is as I've been one twice but never sought nor expected any recognition of same which by the way is what being a true hero is about..

Until now I've maintained my modesty about it too but felt it necessary to mention due to the inability of some to comprehend the previous posts and how they relate to being a real hero..

[DP25]

Prey tell where did that happen??? In every country there is those that wear rose colored glasses and want to describe every single act of someone doing what should only be the right thing and labeling it heroism which cheapens the real title and act of heroism.. I know what being a hero is as I've been one twice but never sought nor expected any recognition of same which by the way is what being a true hero is about..

Until now I've maintained my modesty about it too but felt it necessary to mention due to the inability of some to comprehend the previous posts and how they relate to being a real hero..

This 11 year old boy isn't a hero...I'm a real hero, TWICE!

[rixalex]

Prey tell where did that happen??? In every country there is those that wear rose colored glasses and want to describe every single act of someone doing what should only be the right thing and labeling it heroism which cheapens the real title and act of heroism.. I know what being a hero is as I've been one twice but never sought nor expected any recognition of same which by the way is what being a true hero is about..

Until now I've maintained my modesty about it too but felt it necessary to mention due to the inability of some to comprehend the previous posts and how they relate to being a real hero..

A true hero, in my eyes, would never describe themselves as such.

[WarpSpeed]

Prey tell where did that happen??? In every country there is those that wear rose colored glasses and want to describe every single act of someone doing what should only be the right thing and labeling it heroism which cheapens the real title and act of heroism.. I know what being a hero is as I've been one twice but never sought nor expected any recognition of same which by the way is what being a true hero is about..

Until now I've maintained my modesty about it too but felt it necessary to mention due to the inability of some to comprehend the previous posts and how they relate to being a real hero..

This 11 year old boy isn't a hero...I'm a real hero, TWICE!

Didn't see that one coming either .. Nothing if not predictable ..

[WarpSpeed]

Prey tell where did that happen??? In every country there is those that wear rose colored glasses and want to describe every single act of someone doing what should only be the right thing and labeling it heroism which cheapens the real title and act of heroism.. I know what being a hero is as I've been one twice but never sought nor expected any recognition of same which by the way is what being a true hero is about..

Until now I've maintained my modesty about it too but felt it necessary to mention due to the inability of some to comprehend the previous posts and how they relate to being a real hero..

A true hero, in my eyes, would never describe themselves as such.

Exactly which is why, until now, I never have, though others have.. Doesn't mean I can't refer to the true meaning and use my own example as definition...

[jimbeam1]

While not intending to diminish this boys accomplishments I don't consider the saving of one's own family to be anything more then a great deed by a big brother and would expect nothing less of nay family member. We tend to use the term "hero" in too loose a term these days. The case would be different if he saved someone else's 2 year old who was unrelated..

Good effort for saving his baby brother but "hero" is a tad melodramatic..

The boy is 11yrs old. What he done took a lot of guts. He deserves a medal as someone else already stated.

jb1

[Bagwan]

Well one Jakkrit, you should be given a medal.

This being Thailand where people get medals for God only knows what, I suggest that he deserves a couple of dozen.

[MSingh]

Prey tell where did that happen??? In every country there is those that wear rose colored glasses and want to describe every single act of someone doing what should only be the right thing and labeling it heroism which cheapens the real title and act of heroism.. I know what being a hero is as I've been one twice but never sought nor expected any recognition of same which by the way is what being a true hero is about..

Until now I've maintained my modesty about it too but felt it necessary to mention due to the inability of some to comprehend the previous posts and how they relate to being a real hero..

A true hero, in my eyes, would never describe themselves as such.

Amen.

[WarpSpeed]

Prey tell where did that happen??? In every country there is those that wear rose colored glasses and want to describe every single act of someone doing what should only be the right thing and labeling it heroism which cheapens the real title and act of heroism.. I know what being a hero is as I've been one twice but never sought nor expected any recognition of same which by the way is what being a true hero is about..

Until now I've maintained my modesty about it too but felt it necessary to mention due to the inability of some to comprehend the previous posts and how they relate to being a real hero..

A true hero, in my eyes, would never describe themselves as such.

Amen.

Glad we all agree..

[dananderson]

Well one Jakkrit, you should be given a medal.

This being Thailand where people get medals for God only knows what, I suggest that he deserves a couple of dozen.

Amen to that. Sad fact is thst many Thais can't swim. For an 11 year old to risk his life suring a flood is an incredible amount of

bravery. He is definatly one of my heros.

[shaggy1969]

Well in my eyes the young boy certainly did something heroic,so i would also call him a hero.I really hope that they find their parents and brother/sister.

[rixalex]

Prey tell where did that happen??? In every country there is those that wear rose colored glasses and want to describe every single act of someone doing what should only be the right thing and labeling it heroism which cheapens the real title and act of heroism.. I know what being a hero is as I've been one twice but never sought nor expected any recognition of same which by the way is what being a true hero is about..

Until now I've maintained my modesty about it too but felt it necessary to mention due to the inability of some to comprehend the previous posts and how they relate to being a real hero..

A true hero, in my eyes, would never describe themselves as such.

Exactly which is why, until now, I never have, though others have..

You seem to be missing the point. True heroes don't describe themselves as heroes... ever.. not even for the sake of making a point on Thaivisa. Why? Because they don't recognise themselves as such. You do. Twice.

[seahorse]

This kid is a "hero" to me. The negativity shown by some posters on this site is unbelievable.

[taninthai]

<deleted> i actuallyy live in krabi and went to have a look at the affected area i dont mind saying it bought a lump to my throat the place looks like a bomb has hit it people have lost everything and yet here we have the usual posters bickering about this and that if you have nothing positive to say dont post and get on with your sad lives and keep your bickering in the general forum.

the boy is a hero and has a enormous courage.......

Edited April 2, 2011 by taninthai

[JUDAS]

<deleted> i actuallyy live in krabi and went to have a look at the affected area i dont mind saying it bought a lump to my throat the place looks like a bomb has hit it people have lost everything and yet here we have the usual posters bickering about this and that if you have nothing positive to say dont post and get on with your sad lives and keep your bickering in the general forum.

the boy is a hero and has a enormous courage.......

Well said taninthai. Some posters getting lost in debate over which label to apply to the young man. The boy may well have lost his parents, carry on gentlemen.

[transam]

Prey tell where did that happen??? In every country there is those that wear rose colored glasses and want to describe every single act of someone doing what should only be the right thing and labeling it heroism which cheapens the real title and act of heroism.. I know what being a hero is as I've been one twice but never sought nor expected any recognition of same which by the way is what being a true hero is about..

Until now I've maintained my modesty about it too but felt it necessary to mention due to the inability of some to comprehend the previous posts and how they relate to being a real hero..

A true hero, in my eyes, would never describe themselves as such.

Exactly which is why, until now, I never have, though others have..

You seem to be missing the point. True heroes don't describe themselves as heroes... ever.. not even for the sake of making a point on Thaivisa. Why? Because they don't recognise themselves as such. You do. Twice.

+1