Thai man hailed for his amazing feat: Swimming in very shallow flood water

Water invaded homes and shops in Bangkok after torrential downpours triggered flash floods in many areas in the capital on Tuesday.

As residents were fretting over damaged belongings and cleaning up, one man took an amazing dip and managed to put a smile on glum faces with his antics.

To amuse his Facebook fans, Ui Ratchasit Ketkeaw posted a video of himself swimming across a flooded street after making a dramatic dive.

At first glance, it might not seem like a feat deserving of praise.

Take a closer look and you'll understand why netizens are marvelling at how he managed to splash across the lane like an aquatic star and then back, in water that seemed to be several inches high only.

And to cap it all, he let out a whoop as he raised his hands in victory after his caper.

"This year's championship must be mine," he declared in the caption for his clip.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/Ratchasit.Ketkaew/videos/1434430246613007/[/embed]

Indeed, he has won - sort of. He became famous as the 'Soi Diver"  after the video went viral. It has garnered 3.3 million views and has been shared more than 52,300 times as at this afternoon.

"We have nothing but praise for his expert flutter kicks, perfectly executed flip-turn and celebratory fist pump accompanying his feat," said Khaosod news site.

So far, our 'soi' swimmer has not mentioned on Facebook about the scrapes and bruises he could have suffered while trying to paddle in very shallow water. And thank goodness, he didn't smash his skull when he dived in.

chenj@sph.com.sg