On an ordinary Sunday morning at Ban Song railway station in Surat Thani’s Wiang Sa district, the quick thinking and bravery of station master Thitipong Piripol made him a local hero. Thanks to his timely intervention, a 75-year-old woman with impaired hearing narrowly escaped being hit by a train on its way into the station. A security camera captured the heart-stopping moment, which has since been widely shared, earning Thitipong the admiration and gratitude of the community.
At approximately 9:50 am on Sunday, the elderly woman, unaware of the rapidly approaching express train No. 85 (Bangkok-Nakhon Si Thammarat), proceeded to cross the rail track. The video footage clearly shows her oblivious to the imminent danger she was in. Thitipong Piripol, witnessing the unfolding scene from his office, wasted no time in taking action. He dashed out and pushed the woman off the track just moments before the train would have collided with her. Later, it was discovered that the woman was deaf, explaining her lack of awareness of the speeding locomotive.
Nirut Maneephan, the State Railway of Thailand governor, publicly commended Thitipong for his brave and heroic actions. With this near-tragedy as a stark reminder, he urged everyone to exercise caution and always ensure their safety before crossing railroad tracks on foot or by any mode of transportation.
Thitipong’s selfless act not only saved a life, but it also serves as an important reminder for all of us to be aware of our surroundings, especially in potentially hazardous situations. Train stations and tracks are bustling environments, where a moment of inattention can lead to severe consequences. It also highlights the need for improved infrastructure and safety measures for vulnerable citizens, such as those with hearing impairments or other disabilities, who may require extra assistance navigating their day-to-day lives.
As we continue to share and be moved by Thitipong’s heroics, let us remember to prioritize safety and support efforts to make public spaces more accessible and secure for everyone. After all, it’s the collective responsibility of our communities to protect and care for one another, ensuring such incidents become a relic of the past.
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