Once upon a time Udon Thani Governor Itthipol Treewattanasuwan wanted something nice to boost the pride and fortune of his people.
So, the story goes, he borrowed a giant, rubber duck from a friend to float blissfully in a picturesque lake in the middle of town. It was a hit with everyone.
Park lake + cute giant duck = win for everyone. What could possibly go wrong?
Then a few months later, in the ides of March, fierce winds carried the duck into the sky to terrify the town. It lay waste to the town center before it was brought down that horrible day.
A local resident trembles in terror as he falls beneath the shadow of the colossus.
Once they’d licked their wounds, Udon Thanites got to work restoring their beloved mascot. More than just a duck, they sought to reclaim their optimism and pride. By mid-April, the duck was back, better than ever. If people saw any scars or stretch-marks, those were easily explained by the two ducklings floating alongside – each larger than a wolf.
Some cool tattoos to cover her wounds, the duck returned exponentially cuter with two baby minions in tow.
Tragedy has again revisited that northern paradise.
After major storms tore through northern Thailand on Wednesday, residents found the ducklings, now orphans, floating sadly aside their fallen guardian.
Some people might give up at that point and decide that maintaining a giant, rubber duck is just too much work. But those people don’t live in Udon Thani.
No, despite losing her again, Udon Thani officials vow they’ll restore the avatar of Nongprajak Silapakom public park once again.
While she’s being fixed, the public is invited to keep the babies company as they float alone, for now.
When will these mortals learn to stop playing giant, rubber god?
Related:
Rubber monster back from the dead, now with two little babies
Yet a duck! Rubber monster rampage leaves a deflated Udon Thani in mourning
