Palau President Tommy Remengesau, Jr., in a letter addressed to Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, had congratulated the people of Thailand for the successful rescue of the football team composed of 12 boys and their coach who were trapped in a cave in Thailand for several days.
“I pay my very best of compliments to the Thai Navy SEAL Team and all of the emergency personnel involved in this rescue operation that is nothing short of “miraculous”, Remengesau stated in the letter.
“I wish the very best to the boys, their coach, and their families,” the letter added.
Remengesau also acknowledged the “courage, bravery, and commitment” of Sgt. Major Saman Gunan who lost his life in the process of rescuing the Thai boys.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sgt. Major Saman Gunan who lost his life during the rescue operation. May we always remember his courage, bravery, and commitment in placing duty and responsibility above all else,” the letter added.
The 12 boys, whose ages range from 12 to 16, were discovered by British divers during a long search operation in the Tham Luang caves in Chiang Rai days after the boys went missing during a what was supposed to be a team-building exercise. The boys are members of the football team Wild Boars.
The boys and their coach were reportedly exploring the caves when a sudden storm caused passageways to flood, hence trapping them inside. The rescued group had spent nine days in the cave when they were found on July 2. (Rhealyn C. Pojas)