Man's act of 'humanity' lauded on social media
Play
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 gen
(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]” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_lnLKfnJ38). This clip was viewed more than 41,500 times.
Another YouTube user “Share Dreamandsmile” captioned the clip, “Thai Fisherman help[s] 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.
