Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday expressed deep condolences on the loss of former Navy Seal Saman Kunan, who died helping rescue the 12 young footballers and their coach trapped in Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai.
Petty Officer 1st Class Saman died while returning used air tanks to chamber 3 inside the cave around 1am on Friday.
Assistant government spokeswoman Taksada Sangkhachan said the premier also extended his condolences to three army officers killed when their patrol plane crashed in Mae Hong Son, close to the Myanmar border, on Thursday afternoon. Another officer on board survived with broken bones.
Gen Prayut instructed armed forces to provide the best care for relatives of the lost officers, she said. Dignified funeral rites would be organized for them and posthumous promotions considered.
Navy spokesman Chettha Jaipium said the navy was seeking a royally-endorsed promotion for Petty Officer 1st Class Saman.
As he had already left the navy he was not entitled to navy benefits, but consideration would be given to providing other assistance to his family, the spokesman said.
The Daily News reported that the dead diver's father, Wichai Kunan, 60, collapsed in grief when told of his death, citing an uncle of the former Seal. Relatives were taking care of him.
His young sister, Wilaiporn Kunan, was also said to be traumatized by the loss. She was travelling to Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri to claim her brother’s body.
