In a tale that echoes the spirited heroism found in grand tales of yore, two high school students from Cherng Talay Wittayakhom School have etched their names into local folklore by saving a man’s life. Meet Benchawan Kanphai, affectionately known as Rinda, and her equally courageous peer, Siriporn Ditsawan. These Grade 12 students became overnight sensations, rightfully earning their stripes as modern-day heroines, after they sprang into action earlier this month. Under the watchful eyes of proud and admiring onlookers, the pair was feted by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at a ceremonious gathering in Phuket Provincial Hall on January 29. There, they received certificates of appreciation—testaments to their gallant deeds—which serve as an everlasting reminder of their valor.
The date was January 6, the scene set on the bustling Srisoonthorn Road near the serene Cherng Talay Shrine. An elderly gentleman, riding his motorbike with a trusty sidecar, fell victim to a sudden cardiac arrest, losing consciousness at a stroke and sending ripples of alarm through bystanders. Whispers turned to cries for help as the Cherng Talay Municipality rescue team was quickly summoned. With the clock ticking, medics arrived post-haste and plunged into action, administering CPR and deploying an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to revive him.
With bated breaths, the onlookers watched as the valiant efforts appeared in need of a guiding hand. Up stepped Benchawan. Her moment of truth had arrived, and armed with the wisdom of CPR training received through a program by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), she surged forth. With nimbleness that belied her years, Benchawan executed CPR and deftly administered two shocks with the AED. Her daring act became the linchpin, stabilizing the man and readying him for a hurried transit to the hospital, as chronicled by The Phuket News. A photograph commemorates this stirring episode, captured courtesy of The Phuket News—if ever an image spoke a thousand words, this was surely it.
“I’m so happy that I could help save his life,” recounted Benchawan later, as she mused over her profound experience. The echoes of a life saved reverberated far and wide, with emergency responders heralding the girls’ bravery as a poignant reminder of the immeasurable value of first-aid training. This uplifting narrative shone even more starkly when juxtaposed against a tale of tragedy—a German man at a Koh Phayam resort, whose life ebbing away, succumbed despite CPR attempts. The officers, citing a pre-existing condition, underscored the ephemeral nature of life.
The heroics of Benchawan and Siriporn are but a crescendo in the perpetual symphony of life’s serendipitous happenings. These unsung heroines remind us that the theatre of heroism isn’t solely confined to blockbuster screens—often, it unfolds in the most unsuspecting corners, shaped not by capes or superpowers, but by heart, courage, and the essence of humanity itself.
In parallel scrolls of news, the world outside hums with an orchestra of happenings: Thai restaurant kitchens draft PM 2.5 dust-free sanctuaries, or burglaries unfold in the heart of Bangkok. While elsewhere, myths and stories waltz alongside real-world predicaments—a man found motionless at a rice mill, a woman giving birth amid the festivities of the Chinese New Year, and Kylie Minogue heralding her return with a concert tour announcement. Yet amidst these tales, the heroism of Benchawan and Siriporn shines like a beacon, illuminating the path and inspiring a tale that will surely endure through the ages.
What an incredible act of bravery! These girls deserve all the recognition they’re getting.
Sure, it’s great they helped, but why wasn’t anyone else stepping up until they did? Makes you wonder about the rest of us, doesn’t it?
It’s true; this does shed light on how unprepared many people are in emergency situations. That’s why first-aid training should be more widespread.
Training for life-saving techniques should be mandatory in schools worldwide. These girls are the perfect example of why that’s important.
Agreed! But let’s remember, not every situation ends this positively. Too often, people freeze or the outcome is tragic.
Kudos to the girls and to Governor Suwannarat for acknowledging them! It’s a relief to see positivity celebrated.
While I applaud their bravery, the irony is that it took an emergency for everyone to appreciate the importance of preparedness.
Sometimes it takes extreme situations to awaken society, unfortunately.
Exactly. But why wait for emergencies to initiate change? Proactivity in education is key.
This is a feel-good story, but let’s not forget those who help daily without recognition.
Heartwarming? Yes. But don’t you think the media tends to exaggerate these stories at times?
Maybe, but this seems genuine. Schools fostering practical skills often goes unnoticed.
In this case, the media’s highlighting an important success story. Real lives were impacted.
How inspiring for their peers! The ripple effect of such acts can indeed be monumental.
People are always looking for heroes. Whether it’s someone saving a life or tuning out the noise of negative news, it’s nice to focus on the positive.
Let’s not forget the role of the rescue team. Without them, who knows what could’ve happened.
Agreed. They might not get the spotlight, but their work is equally crucial.
In my day, such acts were just neighborly duties. Today, they’re headline news.
Reading this amidst the usual slew of negative headlines feels like a ray of hope.
I can see that, but let’s balance celebrating with preparing more people to handle these situations.
Epic! These girls earned a real-life achievement badge!
It’s statistically rare for CPR to work, so this is worth noting. Kudos to them!
It’s beautiful that even with all the chaos in the world, acts of kindness still shine through.
Overrated heroism. Focus on long-term solutions like public health awareness.
All it takes is one story like this to remind the world of the good we’re all capable of.
True, but let’s not romanticize it too much. These situations don’t always end well.
Stories like these are why I believe in the goodness of people, even in chaotic times.
It’s definitely uplifting. Reminds me of the power of human compassion.
I hope their story encourages more students and adults to get trained in CPR.