‘I did not join Ukraine as a Thai national, but as a human being’: former airman volunteers to fight Russian invasion

When Chanapong arrived yesterday morning at Ukraine’s Bangkok embassy on Wireless Road, he carried a passport and proof of his military experience. He told its staff that he was there to enlist to help Ukraine’s army fight off Russian invaders. 

“I want the Ukrainian people to know that they are not alone,” he said in an interview last night, identifying himself only by his first name. “If they ask for help, I’m willing to answer.”

It was last week, as images and clips of Ukraine under attack filled his feed, that Chanapong was touched by a story of a Ukrainian couple who rushed to tie the knot as missiles rained down. Then he saw more stories of innocent children killed and Ukrainian families forced apart. 

So, after participating in unsuccessful protests to restore democracy at home, the 27-year-old former airman decided to go fight for it…