The mayor of Krabi has ordered signs be installed warning tourists they are prohibited from walking along certain areas of the muddy banks of Krabi River to prevent a repeat of Friday’s incident during which a Norwegian couple got stuck and were rescued by a fisherman.
Chat Ubonchinda (right) is suffering back pains after his good Samaritan deed, but refuses to talk about it. (Photo from Theerasak Saksritawee Facebook).
Keeratisak Phukaoluan said officials will install the warning signs at areas of thick mud deemed “risk points” along the river banks, starting from Vieng Thong hotel in Muang district, where the Norwegian tourists were rescued, to the popular ma haard tree sculpture near Khao Kanab Nam pier, Khao Sod Online reported.
On Friday, Chat Ubonchinda, 44, came to the aid of an elderly Norwegian couple who were taking photos along the Krabi River. They had became stuck in the mud and had sunk up to their thighs.
After his earlier attempts to extract the couple failed, he then lay down on the mud and let the pair put their weight on him so they could pull their legs free. The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral, drawing praise for the humble Mr Chat.
Mr Keeratisak yesterday posted on his Facebook that Mr Chat’s boat was old and its engine had been repaired over and over. He said a new boat equipped with a more powerful engine would be bought for Mr Chat to replace the worn-out one as a thank you for his good deed.
A Khao Sod reporter visitng Mr Chat's home on Sunday reported that the fisherman was suffering back pain from Friday’s incident and had not been able to go out fishing.
The report said Mr Chat was not willing to talk about his condition, saying he did not want anyone to know about it. He is getting to ready to see a doctor as muscle pain reliever is not working. He expects a full recovery in the next few days.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha praised Mr Chat for his deed and said the Krabi fisherman had set a good example for his fellow Thais.
He called on all Thais to be good, kind and generous hosts who do not take advantage or exploit foreign tourists, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said.