The death of a brave 12 year old fighting to protect a temple highlights the sacrifices children made during the crisis
As he worked tirelessly to save a flood-threatened temple in Nonthaburi's Wat Paknam, stacking sandbags as furiously as his stripling 12-year-old body would allow, Ampon Aksuang was hit by a wall of water.
He was swept to his death in front of his horrified brother, Pantakan, 14 _ one of the many brave youngsters who lost their lives in the great flood of 2011 as they tried to protect the things that were valuable to them.
Saturday, Pantakan lauded his young brother and the spirit in which he put his community before himself.
Pantakan and Ampon dreamt of being rescuers when they grew up, frequently dedicating themselves to assisting monks at the temple since they were small children.
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Pantakan and other youngsters who volunteered during the floods joined National Children's Day celebrations yesterday at Royal Thai Air Force headquarters where they were shown aviation technology and different aircraft.
The Child Safety Research Centre, the Royal Thai Air Force and the Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand jointly organised the trip.
Pantakan, Ampon and their friends in the Wat Paknam community have been recognised for their efforts.
Pantakan said he liked to volunteer as it helps others overcome problems. He said his parents supported him.
"Our parents always told us to be kind and helpful to others," he said.
Pantakan recalled the day his brother died. In late October they worked without pause to build up sandbag walls around the temple.
Amphon was suddenly washed away as a deluge smashed through a wall. His body was found half an hour later.
Pantakan said even though his brother's death had been extremely traumatic for him and his family, it would not dissuade him from doing voluntary work.
"Of course it's sad he is gone. We were very close. However, it makes me happy to know that he and I could make ourselves useful to the community during a very bad time," he said.
"[Today's recognition] is an example to teenagers from urban communities that they need not get involved with drugs and crime. We can make ourselves useful and we can do it every day."
Somsak Lohlekha, president of the Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand, said Pantakan and his friends are rare examples of teenagers with a mind for public service.
"Public awareness is crucial as it helps prepare the young to be better equipped with intellectual and emotional development to live with others in society when growing up," he said.
"Society is hectic nowadays because of individualism and selfishness. We adults should always teach kids to show empathy towards others so we will have a better society for the younger generations to live in."
Ampong's tragic death was also a strong reminder for every sector to be more prepared for unexpected situations and to focus more on child safety during emergencies, Adisak Plitpogarnpim, director of the Child Safety Injury Prevention Research Centre, said.
An estimated 1,400-1,500 children under 15 years of age drown every year in Thailand. The number took a sharp upturn during the flood. Of the almost 800 deaths that hit many provinces, 80 cases were children, he said.
Dr Adisak said child safety concerns should never be neglected, and the need to protect youngsters during emergencies was of paramount importance. Specific safe areas as well as adequate food and life-saving equipment for children of different ages should be available and provided to flood-prone communities, he said.
Researchers at the centre are gathering information for further study on child deaths during the floods to come up with a report and recommendations for relevant sectors to be more aware of child safety during emergencies.
Dr Adisak said it was hoped these efforts would help to prevent a repeat of the tragedy that befell the Aksuang family.
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