A woman honoured for helping Britons on day of tsunami

PHUKET, 19 July 2014 (NNT) - Yupin Sengmuang, 48, a Nakhon Sawan native, on Saturday was honoured with a plaque and a certificate from the Governor of Phuket, Maitree Inthusut for helping British victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day 2004.

On the day of the destructive tsunami, Mrs Yupin and her then husband Pichet Buaniam who ran a grocery shop and a small restaurant in Kathu district, took care of Ben and Emily Willgrass while their father went out in the dark to search for their missing mother. Their mother did not survive the huge tidal wave. The Thai couple later also drove them from Phuket to Suvarnabhumi airport so the Britons could fly back home since Phuket airport was out of operation after all the damage on the island.

Mr. Maitree said that there are many Thais who naturally want to volunteer their help when its needed and would like to see society recognises good Samaritans more often, as well as promote the good image and culture of Thailand. Mrs Yupin thanked the provincial governor who honored her, as at that time she willingly helped the family, because they clearly needed personal assistance at a terrible time. She did not want any rewards. Also, she really appreciates that they remember her so well and are coming to visit her on Sunday.

-- NNT 2014-07-19

I think this is excellent, and the right direction for Thailand to move. By recognising the good deeds of people, it is likely to have an infectious effect on others. I also think that Thailand should allow foreigners to assist in times of need without the nonsensical requirement of a working permit. Many will recall that volunteers were turned away after the tsunami for that very reason...!!

Along the same lines, I would like to nominate a small group of Westerners for recognition by the Thai authorities.

The group gave up every available hour of their time for several weeks when the country was under flood waters, distributing food and water that they had collected from other concerned Westerners. The group was led by an Italian guy, Romeo Romei, who was supposed to be working in his family business, but he had the blessing of his father to spend his time helping local Thai people instead, even as his own home was underwater.

Romeo and his friends were even shown on CNN, which presented an extended interview with him. Here is a home-made video of their work

Excellent show of human compassion. Well done to them.

Just one issue with the article, Suvarnabhumi airport wasn't around in 2004!

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Lovely report, and this lady is a credit to her Nation...

I do, believe deep down most Thais are lovely.....

Can't wait for Mr. Cynic to post here.....

I can't be bothered to be honest, why bother... if people insist on being sheep! Who am I to heard them.

Oz

Excellent show of human compassion. Well done to them.

Just one issue with the article, Suvarnabhumi airport wasn't around in 2004!

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And a tsunami's not a tidal wave