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Young Thai’s bravery recognised
by the Australian Government
The Australian Ambassador to Thailand, H.E.William Paterson PSM, recently presented the Australian Commendation for Brave Conduct to Ms Parinda Kraiwit, 27, a Thai alumni of Deakin University, Australia. The bravery decoration was given to Parinda for rescuing a drowning Australian woman at Mackenzie Falls in the Australian state of Victoria on the afternoon of 25 December 2004. On that day, Parinda was visiting Mackenzie Falls when she saw a woman struggling to keep afloat after slipping into a hazardous rock pool. Reacting to frantic calls for help, Parinda fearlessly jumped into the water and, against a strong current, managed to swim to the victim and drag her back to the bank.
“I did not know the victims personally and did not actually think of any adverse consequences that might happen to me. The only thought I had at the time was that I had to do something to help her, no matter how,” said Parinda.
Eventually, with the assistance of some bystanders, Parinda was able to get the woman up on to the rocks and administer first aid. As a result of her efforts, the victim survived. Sadly four other people drowned in the incident.
For her actions, Parinda was commended for brave conduct by the Australian Government.
“On behalf of Australian citizens, I would like to thank Khun Parinda for her brave and selfless actions. She decided to help strangers in dire need without hesitation and we congratulate her strong spirit” said the Ambassador at a ceremony at the Australian Embassy.
Parinda earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kasetsart University and continued her graduate course in Business Administration at Deakin University in Victoria. She is now working at the International Roaming Unit of Advanced Info Service (AIS) Plc.