PHAYAO: The commander of the Tham Luang rescue operation is back to normal business on Monday when he started working as the provincial governor.
Narongsak Osotthanakorn began his new assignment as the Phayao governor with more than 500 officials and people greeting him at the provincial hall.
He outlined his plan to improve the area around Kwan Phayao, the most famous attraction for tourists and local residents, and push for a permanent checkpoint at Ban Huak in Phusang district to increase trade with Laos.
Mr Narongsak was praised for his leadership and decisiveness during the international operation to rescue 12 young footballers and their coach trapped in Tham Luang cave in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province.
The operation ended on Tuesday.
Mr Narongsak was transferred from Chiang Rai to Phayao on June 29, in what was perceived as a demotion because Chiang Rai is a larger city with a population of 1.2 million compared to 477,000 of Phayao as of the end of 2017. He said he had withheld approval for several projects during his tenure as the Chiang Rai governor since April last year, implying this might be a reason of the transfer.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, however, ordered him to take charge of the operation in Tham Luang until it was completed.
Officials and well-wishers flock to the provincial hall on Monday to greet their new governor, Narongsak Osotthanakorn. (Photo by Saiarun Pinaduang)