Krabi mud-rescue hero to receive royal honour

[webfact]

Krabi mud-rescue hero to receive royal honour
Pimnara Pradubwit,
Sitthichai Sikhawat,
Somchai Samart
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A THAI MAN whose heroic rescue of two stuck-in-the-mud birdwatchers went viral will receive the biggest honour of his life this week.

When the video of him saving the Norwegian tourist and her husband from a riverbank in Krabi was posted on Facebook, Chat Ubonjinda, 44, gained instant fame.

Before the fisherman and foundation piler receives a "Seu Samart" (honorary jacket) from HRH Princess Bajra Kitiyabha in a ceremony in Bangkok on Friday, he was presented with a plaque of honour and a jacket from Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattana-vrangkul at Government House yesterday.

The minister, acting on behalf of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, listened attentively to Chat's story of how he freed the couple from the mud.

She praised his selfless act as a model representation of the country's people.

She thanked the person who took the video of Chat as such images create a good feeling towards Thais and the country. People would feel Thais are kind and this would attract more visitors to the country.

Krabi Governor Pinit Boonlert ordered a 5-by-20-metre billboard with a huge portrait of Chat put up in front of the provincial airport in Nua |Khlong district to praise Chat's deed.

Theerasak Saksritawee, a businessman from Phuket, said he was taking pictures of |birds when he noticed Chat reaching out to the stranded tourists.

"So I recorded his good deed and posted it on social media. After the posting, views went past 100,000 in just a matter of hours," he said.

Chat came across the tourists and extricated them from knee-deep mud while riding his boat to go fishing in Krabi River.

According to the video first posted on Theerasak's Facebook page, Chat let the couple step on him to get out of the mud, then left right afterwards on his boat.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Krabi-mud-rescue-hero-to-receive-royal-honour-30271266.html

-- The Nation 2015-10-21

[Wilsonandson]

Well done Chat. A true hero and an inspiration to all.

[Thian]

And the one who filmed it didn't feel the need to help?

[Praematura]

I would love to see if these Norwegians are real considering the EU is making a decision on the fishing red card in a few days. This reeks of propaganda on so many levels.

[Bignose]

An exceptional effort by the Negativity Brigade here on TV, two out of the first three posts questioning an unselfish act of assistance to strangers.

This guy didn't stop to think, he saw someone in trouble and helped right away, he didn't ask for payment, there was no "negotiation" about reward or compensation, he just helped.

He is due all the recognition that comes his way, he is a great example of the human spirit. It is right and correct that his actions be celebrated and promoted, he is indeed a man that Thailand can be proud of.

It has nothing to do with the EU, it was essential that this man's actions and efforts were recorded and shared with the public, if not we would never have known about them.

Question and doubt what you will, I for one am happy to read about this man.

He is a shining example to us all, regardless of nationality...

[simon43]

She thanked the person who took the video of Chat as such images create a good feeling towards Thais and the country. People would feel Thais are kind and this would attract more visitors to the country.

Perhaps she could go down to Krabi, lie in the mud and let tourists step on her. I'm sure such images would create a good feeling amongst many expats and foreign tourists.

[doremifasol]

I would like to give this man a hug.

[DrTuner]

Since TVF has been sold, perhaps a name change to "Daily TAT" would be in order?

[DeepInTheForest]

Kudos to Mr. Ubonjinda. His unselfish act was compelling, and caused me to stop and think what I would have done.

I also hope that fame is kind. Sometimes sudden fame can be difficult to navigate. May that not be true in this case.

[Joe Reality]

Mud that is mid-thigh deep is not life threatening. The tide takes quite a bit of time to come in and they were in a heavily populated riverside area where tons of people could see them.

The only danger was of getting their clothes and stuff dirty.

This story is beyond ridiculous.

I've had a similar experience and pulled myself out of the mud.

All those people around and only ONE guy even bothered to help them. That says more.

A US soldier in the Middle East recently threw himself onto a grenade to save his comrades. THAT is heroism. It's an insult to real heroes when people bandy the word around on stuff like this that has no real danger involved.

Edited October 21, 2015 by Joe Reality

[Seastallion]

I would love to see if these Norwegians are real considering the EU is making a decision on the fishing red card in a few days. This reeks of propaganda on so many levels.

There is a propaganda feel to it when considering all points. I still prefer to think of it as a great real story, that Chat did his best from a good heart.

The sceptical points....

1. Good video, just happened to be there at the time. Another birdwatcher, according to the OP. Thai birdwatcher at the same place as Norwegian birdwatchers, on the banks of Krabi river? Is Krabi River a birdwatchers place?

2. The videographer, aside from being a birdwatcher, thinks the video is post-worthy on social media.

3. TAT is in on it so quickly.

4. HRH is quick to react too.

5. Just a general unease over it all.

BUT...as I say, I prefer to see it as genuine and typical of the Thais that I know.

[Lopchan]

Mud that is mid-thigh deep is not life threatening. The tide takes quite a bit of time to come in and they were in a heavily populated riverside area where tons of people could see them.

The only danger was of getting their clothes and stuff dirty.

This story is beyond ridiculous.

I've had a similar experience and pulled myself out of the mud.

All those people around and only ONE guy even bothered to help them. That says more.

A US soldier in the Middle East recently threw himself onto a grenade to save his comrades. THAT is heroism. It's an insult to real heroes when people bandy the word around on stuff like this that has no real danger involved.

And of course the US would never stoop so low as to use lies propaganda to further their cause as so many TV posters are accusing here

[Lopchan]

Actually thigh deep mud can be quite dangerous due to the suction and compression effect it has. This is especially true in the elderly gentleman if he has circulatory problems.

I just can't believe some of the posters on this forum. What a sorry bunch who have to negate anything positive to their own sick and twisted little mind's level.

Every day, EVERY. SINGLE. #$%^&*& DAY there are those complaining about Thailand and implying that all Thais are criminals, dishonest, the place sucks blah blah blah.

Then when something positive is reported, they come out with conspiracy theories or try to belittle the good deeds a complete stranger did for someone in need.

I bet if it had been a yank, jew, brit, Aussie or any other nationality who had done it you would be praising him up with "attaboy, that's showing the Thais how it's done" and "What a great man" instead due to your hatred towards Thailand and Thais you spout your vitriol.

[mrrizzla]

I dislike this government and think TAT is a joke like most of you but planned propaganda? Come on stop being so cynical. I will agree that TAT loved that this has happened for their own self promotion.

Anyway well done to that chap. A good deed done.

[Srikcir]

Chat for PM!

He is willing to let people walk over him for the better good.

[Suradit69]

I would love to see if these Norwegians are real considering the EU is making a decision on the fishing red card in a few days. This reeks of propaganda on so many levels.

"This reeks of propaganda on so many levels. "

Certainly something about your bitter, negative post reeks. Was there any doubt that no matter how nice and positive some news event may be, some TV posters would start throwing mud. No good deed will go unpunished here at the hub of humbug.

The problem for some is that good guy is Thai. Had it been some farang it would have been glory hallelujah.

She thanked the person who took the video of Chat as such images create a good feeling towards Thais and the country. People would feel Thais are kind and this would attract more visitors to the country.

Perhaps she could go down to Krabi, lie in the mud and let tourists step on her. I'm sure such images would create a good feeling amongst many expats and foreign tourists.

"...a good feeling amongst many expats and foreign tourists."

And in the category of moronic and childish posts, the winner is ...

The topic is about a royal honour and should not be up for debate by the usual Thai bashers.

Edited October 21, 2015 by Suradit69

[Suradit69]

Since TVF has been sold, perhaps a name change to "Daily TAT" would be in order?

Considering the negative posts that some people feel compelled to write, maybe Daily Twit would be better. If you don't want to read positive things about Thailand, why even open this thread? And for that matter why stay in Thailand?

[DrTuner]

Since TVF has been sold, perhaps a name change to "Daily TAT" would be in order?

Considering the negative posts that some people feel compelled to write, maybe Daily Twit would be better. If you don't want to read positive things about Thailand, why even open this thread? And for that matter why stay in Thailand?

I'm here just to piss you off, my Dear.

It ain't the Thai guy that ticks me off, he did good. It's the vultures trying to get their mugs in the media, appearing like ants in a pile of sugar in the wake of the YouTube video having gone viral that disgusts me. What next, buy the rights for the fellas name to use in advertising skin whitening creams?

[Seastallion]

Mud that is mid-thigh deep is not life threatening. The tide takes quite a bit of time to come in and they were in a heavily populated riverside area where tons of people could see them.

The only danger was of getting their clothes and stuff dirty.

This story is beyond ridiculous.

I've had a similar experience and pulled myself out of the mud.

All those people around and only ONE guy even bothered to help them. That says more.

A US soldier in the Middle East recently threw himself onto a grenade to save his comrades. THAT is heroism. It's an insult to real heroes when people bandy the word around on stuff like this that has no real danger involved.

Like the "heroes" of the fire department robbing Gap, saving shop products during the 9/11 tragedy?

[djayz]

An exceptional effort by the Negativity Brigade here on TV, two out of the first three posts questioning an unselfish act of assistance to strangers.

This guy didn't stop to think, he saw someone in trouble and helped right away, he didn't ask for payment, there was no "negotiation" about reward or compensation, he just helped.

He is due all the recognition that comes his way, he is a great example of the human spirit. It is right and correct that his actions be celebrated and promoted, he is indeed a man that Thailand can be proud of.

It has nothing to do with the EU, it was essential that this man's actions and efforts were recorded and shared with the public, if not we would never have known about them.

Question and doubt what you will, I for one am happy to read about this man.

He is a shining example to us all, regardless of nationality...

+1 Well said! One of the few good/happy stories circulating the news thread.

[djayz]

oh come on!! Royal Honour ?? !!!!

this is stupid!

he saved some lives,, its done all over the country or globe.

this story is over already. its like its being "milked" as much as possible to make thai people think how great they are coz one guy saved someone!

of course its great he saved them,, but really, almost anyone would save a fellow human if they were in danger!

of course there are always some that wouldnt. but most world.

I don't think "most" people would do anything to save/help a human. Most people pretend nothing happened and keep going or simply don't know what to do so they do nothing instead of trying something.

[easybullet3]

oh come on!! Royal Honour ?? !!!!

this is stupid!

he saved some lives,, its done all over the country or globe.

this story is over already. its like its being "milked" as much as possible to make thai people think how great they are coz one guy saved someone!

of course its great he saved them,, but really, almost anyone would save a fellow human if they were in danger!

of course there are always some that wouldnt. but most world.

I don't think "most" people would do anything to save/help a human. Most people pretend nothing happened and keep going or simply don't know what to do so they do nothing instead of trying something.

i cant get any statistics on how many would or wouldnt save someone.I guess it depends on how much it inconveniences the rescuer.

from my personal experience, I can say that I always went to help anyone, (someone falling down steps, drug OD in a club and bring them to hospital quick, call ambulance as soon as I see an accident, helping hand to anyone (provided I am capable).

Sometimes I saw an emergency (also here in Thailand) and I see there is already people taking care of the situation, so no need for me to get involved.

I am sure I am not the oonly guy in the world that acts this way.

and I am also quite sure its not as low as 5% of the population.

if you see someone struggling and you are near by, I am sure you also would give a helping hand.

it costs you nothing.

i do, however, see plenty of street accidents where people just prefer to stand and watch.

but this is because the people who are standing and watching have no idea how to do CPR or what position to put someone. they wait for someone more competant.

i did see a woman getting beaten up in London (about 30 years ago when I was a kid) and no one was helping, because everyone was scared of getting beaten up themselves.

but this was a simple rescue, without risking the guy getting beaten up.

i dont think it is as bleak as you suggest.

[Basil B]

And the one who filmed it didn't feel the need to help?

If he did not know what to do, he could have put himself in danger, people should always consider their own safety first.

That is not being selfish, if he got himself stuck it would have made the situation worse, not only putting his own life at risk but that of others trying to rescue him.

The only thing that he may have done was to alert rescue services, but there again did he? or was he aware others were?

If you see a situation where someone needs help, "Put Brain In Gear First", do a risk assessment, call for help, never ever put yourself at risk, it is not just your life you are putting at risk....

Edited October 21, 2015 by Basil B

[ddavidovsky]

Krabi river is popular with birdwatchers, looking particularly for the mangrove pitta. Birdwatchers are always getting themselves into little scrapes. There was no danger here. This is a non-story. Enough already.

[Equalizer]

Poor lad, he looks lost.

[kblaze]

the first thing he said was that he didn't want recognition and awards

to me he looks really uncomfortable being paraded around and then there's the fact he has to go back to his village and could be a prime target for thieves.

[Suradit69]

Since TVF has been sold, perhaps a name change to "Daily TAT" would be in order?

Considering the negative posts that some people feel compelled to write, maybe Daily Twit would be better. If you don't want to read positive things about Thailand, why even open this thread? And for that matter why stay in Thailand?

I'm here just to piss you off, my Dear.

It ain't the Thai guy that ticks me off, he did good. It's the vultures trying to get their mugs in the media, appearing like ants in a pile of sugar in the wake of the YouTube video having gone viral that disgusts me. What next, buy the rights for the fellas name to use in advertising skin whitening creams?

"It's the vultures trying to get their mugs in the media,"

And you think this is somehow unique to Thailand? And the vultures appear on both sides ... including all those, like you, who use any opportunity to throw a hissy fit.

Edited October 21, 2015 by Suradit69