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Man's act of 'humanity' lauded on social media
ASINA PORNWASIN



BANGKOK: -- Last Friday, a four-minute video clip showing a man helping a couple of tourists climb out of the mudflats by stepping on his back was posted on Facebook by Theerasak Saksritawee, with the caption "Impressions at Krabi this morning: 'Krabi people's generosity'."

(https://www.facebook.com/popumon/videos/vb.1813785478/10203649573239235/?type=3&theater)

This clip was viewed 2.8 million times, received more than 164,000 "Likes" and was shared more than 71,960 times, not to mention the 23,700 comments of praise that were left on the post.

Almost as soon as the clip was posted on Facebook, people began hunting for the unsung hero. He was finally identified as Chat Ubonjinda.

People across the world noticed his humanity, and even the BBC posted the video clip on its website (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34561009).

In Singapore, the Straits Times published a report headlined "Top Honour for Thai man who Rescued Elderly Norwegian Tourists Stuck in the Mud in Krabi". (https://www.facebook.com/TheStraitsTimes/posts/10153080688657115)

Theerasak's clip was also shared on YouTube, with one poster called YouTube Clips captioning the clip, "Thai FisherMan SAVES Two Norweigan tourists STUCK in river sludge/mud [HEART TOUCHING MOMENT]" (

). This clip was viewed more than 41,500 times.

Another YouTube user "Share Dreamandsmile" captioned the clip, "Thai Fisherman help a couple photographer at Krabi Province Thailand", winning more than 10,829 views, while "World News" posted the clip with the caption "Young fishermen Karma He was helped through the mud sucking at Krabi", winning over 7,500 views.

Nearly everybody on social media has had words of praise for the generous man. Nyonya Anna Marie Doe posted, "What a lovely soul. Most Thai people have such a great heart and would do everything to help foreigners. I hope this gentleman will recover soonest. I love Thai people."

Kim Hua Tay said, "Thailand is the No 1 tourist destination in the world. A simple man with big heart."

Derek da Cunha said, "An inspiring act of kindness, bravery and selflessness. Kudos to you, Sir!", while Johnson Lum said "I still love Thailand people, indeed 'A Land of Thousand Smiles'."

Lawrence Liew said, "Let's not perceive wealth as judgement of character, for this man is rich in soul and wealthy in heart. Humanity prevails!"

Anne MM Seow said, "Chat is such a kind and selfless man for letting the elderly use his back to get out of the thick mud! Now he's rewarded in the most practical way, getting the utilities in his home upgraded accordingly, so he and his family can live a more comfortable life! Meanwhile, get well soon, Chat!"

Chat has been suffering from backache since his rescue mission and was conferred the "Khon Dee Thee Rao Yokyong" award by HRH Princess Bajra Kitiyabha yesterday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Mans-act-of-humanity-lauded-on-social-media-30271491.html


-- The Nation 2015-10-24

Kind of him to help, but some of the comments are straight out the good generals playbook.

First off, I find it somewhat telling that a person's act of kindness has been deemed so rare it has deserved all this media attention. Secondly, has this guy any idea how he's being manipulated by the media to show what a jolly good lot the Thai people are when every other day of the week the prai are barely worthy of a mention unless they're drug runners or pregnant women having been kicked by a member of the amart?

Troll post and replies have been removed.

Ah ......... they are lauding again when they could just as easily been praising . Even better they could applaud something which at least contains laud to soften their withdrawal pains.

As for the story ....... a refreshing act of kindness by the good Samaritan concerned but if they blow this story up any more they will end up forwarding his name for a Nobel prize. Just give him a reward and let him get on with his life.

Boy, they're milking this story til it's dry!

At first I said good on him when it happened. But now ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Talk about milking the old cow dry. Must be the only thai doing good these days because only one you hear about. Surely we are nearly due for the multiple stories of the honest taxi drivers returning money. They havent milked that old cow for a while.

ahh the old TV moaners - not a one off act by a Thai person - I myself have had met a lot of kind and helpful Thai people

ahh the old TV moaners - not a one off act by a Thai person - I myself have had met a lot of kind and helpful Thai people

Sure me as well.

And me...

It's like auto tickets, in that for every 3000 violations you get a ticket or in this case an act any sane person in my country would do. Get off your box Thailand, the fact you have one guy that did something nice you have thousands upon thousands of those who are less than sterling. Next is the guy in the story going to walk on Thai water. More important news to feed the masses. Next.