NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Eight individuals who risked their lives to save four people, including two babies, from a burning car in Sikhiu district on Tuesday will be presented with plaques honouring their bravery, on instructions from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Provincial governor Wichian Chantharanothai said on Thursday that Gen Prayut had praised the people who went to the rescue of the victims and asked provincial authorities to find them so plaques could be presented to them.
On his instructions, Sikhiu authorities had already found the good samaritans, seven men and one woman.
They are: Prasit Saraban, a driver for Sanki Quality Product Co in Samut Prakan, Udomdet Prasertchaichokdee, Ms Jiratchaya Khobking, head of village 4 in tambon Kritsana of Sikhiu district, and Wichit Suebsai, an employee of Korat Auto factory in Sikhiu district, Jakkraphan Jakkaew, Watcharin Luepen, Amornthep Meemak and Bovornpong Prombut.
Their brave actions followed an accident at kilometre marker 105 on the Mittraparb Highway in Sikhiu at 1.23pm on Tuesday. The driver of a Toyota Vios lost control of the vehicle, which then hurtled over the road dividing strip, crashed into another car and burst into flames.
The burning car contained four people, a year-old girl and 2 year-old boy, their mother and the driver. They were all trapped inside the car. Their rescuers were nearby, saw the accident and rushed to their assistance, heedless of the risk to their own lives.
The incident was videotaped and posted on social media, drawing widespread praise from netizens for the rescuers' selfless actions.
The governor said he had already submitted the names to the Office of the Prime Minister. They would be contacted to meet the prime minister, who would present them with plaques honouring their bravery.
Provincial authorities would then invite them to a ceremony in their honour.
The village head, Ms Jiratchaya, said on Thursday she had been contacted by the PM's Office and asked to meet Gen Prayut on June 19.
The governor said that on average 60 people lost their lives in road crashes in the province every month, or 2 deaths a day.
Video by Police Thailand News Facebook page.
