Policeman who tried to kick grenade away in stable condition

In a heartbeat, Police Sen. Sgt. Maj. Teeradet Ui-Charoen made a decision to try and save his friends that may cost the use of his legs.

Teeradet, seen in a widely circulated video attempting to kick away a grenade lobbed at a cluster of officers Tuesday afternoon, survived the blast and is in stable condition at the Police Hospital.

In the video, the grenade flies toward the group who crouch behind riot shields. What appears to be Teeradet’s wedding ring is visible as he beckons another officer over, at which point he notices the grenade between a gap in the shield wall. He raises his own shield and stands. Just as his foot is about to connect with the explosive, it detonates and Teeradet collapses into a cloud of smoke and shrapnel.

Ms. Jeerapa Lek-khu, the wife of the 44-year old policeman, said she was saddened by the incident and worried that the wounds might be infected in the future. 

“He decided to do that because he loves his friends a lot,” she said. “I′ve been with him for a long time. I know how much he loves his friends.”

However, she wishes he’d stayed safe.

“But I don′t want my husband to be a hero,” she added. “I just want his legs to be normal again.”

Whether or not it was the safest course of action can be debated in comfortable and safe luxury, but many online consider Teeradet’s actions heroic.

Another officer, Sen. Sgt. Maj. Thammanoon Tas-see is in critical condition after suffering severe injuries to his left leg and face.

A third officer, Sen. Sgt. Maj. Thammanoon Chapanya remains unresponsive in ICU after being shot in the head, Khaosod reported.