BANGKOK – The Tourism Ministry has invited to Bangkok the Krabi resident whose heroic action to help two tourists stuck in mud has been witnessed by the whole world.
Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul on Tuesday presented a plaque of recognition to 44-year-old Chat Ubonchinda who was invited to Government House after a video of his action to rescue two Norwegian bird watchers who became bogged down in heavy mud in Krabi, had spread online and been viewed by millions of people.
The plaque presented to Mr. Chat carries the phrase “The Pride of Thailand” as a token of appreciation for his kind heart and personal effort which has done much to enhance the image of Thailand and impressed people around the world.
His heroic rescue effort took place on October 16. The two tourists who he saved are Arild Haben, a Norwegian, and his wife Guo YaXiang. Both had traveled to Thailand for a holiday.
After being rescued, Mr. Haben and Mrs. Guo later returned to the river to look for Mr. Chat to show their gratitude for his actions before continuing to enjoy their stay in the country.
