His Majesty the King has posthumously promoted former Navy Seal Saman Gunan, who died during the Tham Luang cave rescue mission, to the rank of lieutenant commander -- an unprecedented rise of seven ranks.
The announcement of the promotion of Petty Officer 1st Class Saman was published in the Royal Gazette on Saturday before the royally-sponsored cremation took place at Wat Ban Nong Khu in Chatuphak Piman district of Roi Et province.
A large crowd of mourners converged on the temple ground to bid a final farewell to Saman who on July 6 lost consciousness during a dive back to Chamber 3 of the flooded cave and did not recover.
HM the King has also bestowed a royal decoration -- Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant -- on the late and former naval officer for dedicating his life to the operation.
He had left the Navy to work for Airports of Thailand Plc as a security official at Suvarnabhumi airport and was taking time off from work to help his former Seal colleagues with the rescue mission.
The monarch assigned Privy Councillor Gen Surayud Chulanont to preside over the ceremony at 4pm yesterday. Navy commander Naris Prathumsuwan, senior navy officers and Navy Seals also attended the rite.
Meanwhile, the boys and their coach yesterday greeted the world for the first time from Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital in a video clip released by the Public Health Ministry.
Each of them took turns making a wai and thanking their Thai and international rescuers, as well as the world community, for saving and supporting them. All confirmed that they felt fine and could now eat normal food.
Asked what menus they had in mind now, most chose rice topped with spicy crispy pork and basil (khao pad krapao moo krob).
Adul, the Myanmar-born player who acted as a translator for his teammates, spoke in Thai and English and showed a sketch he drew of his team in the cave. He said he was looking forward to KFC chicken.
In addition to the rescue teams, coach Ekkapol Chantawong thanked authorities, as well as doctors and nurses at the hospital, for taking good care of him and his players. Health authorities said the 12 footballers and their coach are likely to be discharged from hospital as early as next Thursday if they show no concerning signs.
Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn said the group is in good health both physically and mentally and laboratory results are negative for dangerous infectious diseases. However, Dr Piyasakol said health officials are concerned about two issues after the group is discharged: they are in a recovery phase and they are susceptible to infections; and they may have to speak to the media.
He said the medical and psychiatrist teams have recommended that they spend time with family and friends for at least one month as part of the healing process.
"I'd like the media to be aware of sensitive questions. Make sure you don't ask anything that might make them feel uncomfortable. If it's only to benefit your news organisations but not the boys, I suggest media not to ask those questions. Remember we all have to help the boys get back to their normal lives. Do not impose any more stress on them," said Dr Piyasakol.
He and and health permanent secretary Jedsada Chokdumrongsuk went to Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital to visit the 13 people. "We have advised all patients and their parents to avoid all media exposure because doing so may trigger post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. We ask for cooperation from everyone to ensure that each boy spends time with their family and friends as much as possible," Dr Piyasakol said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Provincial Administration said three boys and their coach are stateless people and will have to undergo the verification process to be granted Thai citizenship.
Arthit Boonyasopat, the department chief, said the four will have to prove that they were born in Thailand and when they receive the certificates they can apply for Thai citizenship.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has extended his gratitude to a group of 19 farmers who declined to accept state compensation for farmlands flooded during the operation, said government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd.
Farmers in four tambons were asked to allow their fields to be flooded by water pumped out of Tham Luang to facilitate the rescue and they would receive a money transfer at 1,113 baht a rai up to 30 rai, he said.
Farm experts would also be sent to the area to give advice on land rehabilitation and the farmers would be given 14 tonnes of two popular rice strains -- Khao Thip 105 and Kor Kor 6.
Renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat said a sculpture of the former Navy Seal is expected to be completed in two and half months before it is sent for casting in Ayutthaya.
Mr Chalermchai, a native of Chiang Rai and creator of Wat Rong Khun in Muang district, said hundreds of artists are joining hands in creating a large painting depicting the rescue mission which spanned 18 days and involved an international group of divers and volunteers.
Called "The Hero", the painting, about three metres wide and 13m tall, is expected to be completed in two days. Finishing touches may take 10 days, according to Mr Chalermchai.