Saman Kunan

Saman Kunan
สมาน กุนัน
Born(1980-12-23)December 23, 1980
Chaturaphak Phiman, Roi Et, Thailand
DiedJuly 6, 2018(2018-07-06) (aged 37)
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Occupation(s)Military diver, airport security guard
HonoursKnight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Order of the White Elephant[1]
Military career
AllegianceThailand
Service / branchRoyal Thai Navy
RankPetty officer first class
Lieutenant Commander (posthumous)[1]

Saman Kunan (Thai: สมาน กุนัน; December 23, 1980 – July 6, 2018)[2] was a Thai Navy SEAL. After leaving the Navy, he worked as a security guard at Suvarnabhumi Airport. He died during the Tham Luang cave rescue operation, earning him the title of 'Tham Luang Hero'.[3] Saman was posthumously awarded the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, one of the country's highest honors, by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

In honor of his bravery, several monuments and sculptures have been erected to commemorate his contributions. These tributes serve as lasting symbols of respect and admiration for his courage and impact on the region.[4] He is featured in a large mural titled "The Heroes", which has been installed in the new memorial hall at the entrance of the Tham Luang cave.[5]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "ร.10พระราชทานน้ำหลวงอาบศพ'จ่าเอกสมาน กุนัน'". Naewna.com (in Thai). Retrieved 2018-07-21.
  3. ^ "ภริยา ผบ.ซีล ร่วมอาลัยวีรบุรุษถ้ำหลวง เผย จำภาพสุดท้ายที่เห็นไม่มีวันลืม". www.thairath.co.th (in Thai). 14 July 2018.
  4. ^ "Sculptors, artists pour their hearts into tributes for Saman". nationthailand. 12 July 2018.
  5. ^ "Cave-rescue mural now moved to official Tham Luang memorial". Thaiger. 12 December 2018.