Rescued team tearfully honours ex-Seal
Boys, coach react to LCdr Saman’s death
The twelve young footballers and their coach have said they are deeply saddened by the loss of former Navy Seal diver lieutenant commander Saman Gunan who died on July 6 during an operation to extract the group from the flooded cave, said public health permanent secretary Jessada Chokdamrongsuk.
The 13, who are receiving treatment at Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital after the 17-day ordeal in Tham Luang cave complex, wept upon being told by their families about LCdr Saman’s death, said Dr Jessada.
He said doctors examined the group’s physical and mental health and agreed they were ready for the news. Their families informed them about LCdr Saman under the supervision of mental health specialists.
The boys and their coach also expressed their condolences alongside a portrait of LCdr Saman and stood in silence in his honour.
They thanked the former Navy Seal diver for his courage and sacrifice and promised to be good people.
LCdr Saman, then a former Petty Officer 1st Class, lost consciousness during a return dive and never recovered.
He was posthumously promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander by His Majesty the King to honour his dedication.
The royally-sponsored cremation took place at Wan Ban Nong Khu in Chaturaphak Phiman district in Roi Et province on Saturday.
The remains of his body were collected yesterday morning and parts of the ashes were scattered into the Chee River.
His wife, Waleeporn, planned t o scatter another part of the ashes in the Mekong River in her home province of Nakhon Phanom.
The operation to extract the football team, who were trapped in the cave since June 23, was completed in three days with the last group evacuated on July 10. They are now under close medical care for possible serious infections and are expected to be discharged on Thursday if there are no complications.
The permanent secretary said the condition of the first group extracted on July 8 was good with no signs of flu. The two boys who were diagnosed with lung infections have improved and the group has completed a week-long course of antibiotics.
The general health of the second and third groups is also good and those with ear infections are improving. They have all been given a seven-day course of antibiotics.
Dr Jessada said officials concerned are making plans for after the boys are discharged from hospital to make sure they are prepared for the attention they are likely to receive.
He said the first month is crucial for them and the Royal College of Psychiatrists of Thailand has prepared a “dos and don’ts’ manual for both the boys and their families, friends, schools and the media.
Meanwhile, those involved in a plan to build a museum and a statue of the former Navy Seal have picked a site for their project.
Led by Chiang Rai governor Prajon Pratsakul and Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) chief Thanya Netithammakul, they have chosen the area that housed makeshift tents for the families and media.
The site is about 50 metres from the cave’s entrance.
The statue of the former Navy Seal diver is being made by renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who expects it to be finished in four months.
Mr Chalermchai has also joined hands with hundreds of artists in creating a giant painting to depict the rescue mission. The painting is expected to be housed at the planned museum.
Thousands of volunteers yesterday continued with the big cleanup at Tham Luang to improve the landscape of the cave complex now the many vehicles and rescuse teams have left.
Despite the loss of her husband, Mrs Waleeporn said yesterday LCrd Saman would stay with her in spirit forever.
“Sam now takes care of everybody in heaven. I will follow in his footsteps here,” she said in tears, calling him by his nickname. “We stay together and we are in each other’s hearts forever.”
Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said the Tourism Authority of Thailand has made a short video to express Thailand’s appreciation to the world community for its support during the 17-day mission.