Thai fisherman rescues foreign tourists

KRABI, THAILAND, October 19 (TNA) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has praised a Thai fisherman in resort Krabi Province in the Thai South who recently helped two Norwegians from a muddy bed of the Krabi River. Government Spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd told journalists on Monday that the prime minister valued the 44-year-old Thai fisherman, Chat Ubonjinda, who laid face down on the muddy surface for the two foreign tourists to climb on his back to free themselves from mud suction. The spokesman stated that the incident reflected the generosity of Thai people, which has helped attract international visitors to Thailand, describing him as a good example for Thais. According to the spokesman, the prime minister encouraged the general public to share the good model and refrain from taking advantage of tourists to boost Thailand's positive image. Meanwhile, Wiyada Srirangkul, Director of Krabi Office of the state-run Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), as well as representatives of the Tourism Council of Thailand and the Krabi Tourism and Hotel Association presented an honorary certificate and a 10,000-baht reward to the Thai fisherman at his house on Khu Muang Road in Muang District. Chat said he was proud of himself for helping the two Norwegian tourists and he had not expected any reward. (TNA)