PHUKET — A CPR-skilled restaurant owner in Phuket performed life-saving CPR on an Italian tourist during lunch service after the visitor collapsed while dining at his famous chicken rice restaurant.
The incident occurred at 2 p.m. on December 24 at Ko Ta Chicken Rice restaurant in Soi Surin, Mueang Phuket district. CCTV footage shared on social media shows the dramatic 23-second rescue, where the Thai restaurant owner performed CPR on the unconscious foreign tourist.
Somkiat Jira-amornrat, the restaurant owner and a former military officer, recounted the morning’s events: “Two Italian tourists were having their meal when suddenly one of them lost consciousness. I wasn’t at the restaurant at the time, but my wife called me immediately. When I arrived, I tried shaking him and checking his chest, but there was no response. I quickly laid him flat on the ground and began performing CPR based on my previous training.”
During the rescue, staff called for emergency services. Fortunately, volunteers from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation arrived promptly, followed by emergency medical technicians from Vachira Phuket Hospital. A nurse who happened to be nearby also stepped in to assist.
“The tourist’s friend later returned to the restaurant with tears in his eyes to thank me,” Somkiat shared. “I didn’t expect anything in return – it was just instinct to help save his life. I’m proud that I could help. We want tourists to feel welcome and safe in Thailand, not leave with tragedy.”
The incident has sparked discussions on social media about the importance of basic life-saving skills, with many praising the restaurant owner’s quick action and knowledge of CPR. The Italian tourist is now reported to be safe and receiving medical care.
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