Krabi hero attains Volunteer Defense Corp certification

KRABI: A Krabi man who was hailed a hero after rescuing two tourists stuck knee-deep in mud in October last year (video report here) has now become a certified member of the Krabi Volunteer Defense Corps.

Chat Ubonjinda, 44, was one of 31 new defense volunteers presented with a certificate by Muang Krabi District Chief Suriyun Damrongkul yesterday, after successfully completing a five-day training course in January. The new recruits are the first to complete their training in 2016.

“I am delighted to have completed the training,” said Mr Chat.

A video showing Mr Chat rescuing the two tourists last year by using his body as a bridge went viral online and has been viewed more than 2.5 million times.

“I am very proud of having been a small part of making society better and am willing to do my best in the future, even if I don’t make much money from it,” said Mr Chat.

Mr Chat passed the training course with flying colors, said the district chief. In recognition for his efforts, Mr Chat has also been appointed as a spokesperson for the Volunteer Defense Corps.

“This training for the volunteers is highly valuable, in that it prepares participants to be real Defense Corps in the future,” said Mr Suriyun.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong