Thainess to the rescue

BANGKOK The Tourism Authority of Thailand has recognised a Krabi resident who rescued two tourists stuck in estuary mud, last week.

Saying it helps boost the image and reputation of Thailand TAT awarded a certificate of honour to Chat Ubonchinda, 44, a local fisherman. H has since gained fame after he rescued the two amateur photographers 17 October.

Tourism officials claimed the video clip of the rescue was viewed 2.5 million times in just two days. A rough check of views on YouTube and Facebook did not confirm that claim, but they were significant.

Mr Chat Ubonchinda

Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha also applauded the fisherman, saying this is a good example that strengthens the image of Thainess and Thai hospitality worldwide.

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn added: “The Krabi man who saved the Norwegian tourists is the finest example of the caring nature of Thai people. This is good proof that Thais are good hosts and are ready to help tourists when in need despite nationality or a challenging situation.”

The video clip shows Chat coming to the aid of an elderly Norwegian, Arid Hagen and Yanxiang Guo, a Chinese,  who were stuck in mud up to their thighs. He failed in the first attempt to pull them out, so he decided to lay face down in the mud so they could heave themselves out of the mud using his body as an anchor. After he was assured that both were safe, the man left the scene without asking for anything in return. He is seen leaving in a small fishing craft.

The video clip of this good Samaritan went viral very quickly. It attracted   a claimed2,562,689 views and 155,604. The video was shot by Therrasak Saksritawee an amateur photographer who happened to be standing nearby. (Photo of Mr Chat from Therrasak’s Facebook page.)

Follow the link to the VDO clip

sourced:ttrweekly.com