7-12-2024 (BANGKOK) A Thai police officer’s paternal instincts and quick thinking earned international acclaim when he safely transported two unconscious tourists to their accommodation using an improvised wheelchair solution on the popular holiday island of Koh Phi Phi.
The incident, which garnered significant attention in Australian media, involved a 19-year-old Australian woman and her 23-year-old German companion who had become severely intoxicated during a night of revelry on the island’s bustling party scene.
Police Lieutenant Saneh Chuea-la-ong, father of three daughters, demonstrated remarkable compassion when confronted with the challenging situation. With the island’s narrow streets preventing vehicular access, Lt Saneh resourcefully procured a cart from a nearby shop to safely transport the incapacitated tourists.
“Being a father of daughters myself, I understand the constant worry parents face,” Lt Saneh told reporters. “These young women were in no state to care for themselves, and I feared they might suffer serious harm, whether from falling down stairs or into the sea.”
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Upon reaching their hostel, Lt Saneh’s dedication to duty extended beyond mere transportation, as he assisted in ensuring the tourists were safely settled in their bunk beds and even took the time to cover one with a blanket.
Superintendent Surasak Jaidee of Koh Phi Phi Police Station emphasised that such acts of assistance have become commonplace among his officers over the past two years. “Our role is not to penalise tourists who come here for enjoyment,” Superintendent Jaidee explained. “Rather, we aim to ensure their safety and protection throughout their stay.”
