Lest we forget: Thai media heralds brave diver "Sam" who died as millions donated to his family

 

Saman Kunan

 

Amid the national and worldwide euphoria after the successful cave rescue drama comes the stark reminder that all members of the rescue team did not make it out alive.

 

Former Navy Seal Saman Kunan died on Friday while replenishing air canisters for the massive rescue effort.

 

Saman - known affectionately as Officer Sam - will forever be in the memory of not just the survivors but all people who have followed the seventeen day drama at the Tham Luang cave complex.

 

Thai media Sanook paid tribute to Sam in an article yesterday and noted that millions of baht had been raised for his family.

 

They said that Sam's fervent hope was that all the Wild Boar boys and their coach would make it out alive despite the obvious difficulties and clear dangers.

 

"We hope that you are looking down from somewhere and see the great joy that your incredible sacrifice has brought," they said.

 

"You are a hero to the Thai people and we love you and respect you for what you have done".

 

A run was conducted called "Run for Saman 060718". Famed presenter Kalamae Patcharasri Benjamas said on Instagram that 3,565,416 baht was raised for the family of the hero.

 

The money is set to be presented to Sam's family in a ceremony sure to focus the Thai and international community once again on the actions of the tireless rescue personnel in bringing the drama to a successful conclusion.

 

Here at Thaivisa we say: Sam we salute you.

 

Source: Sanook

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2018-07-11

All the respect in the world to this man, and sincerest condolences to his family.  They have lost one hell of a good man.

 

I've shed quite a few tears for this guy and his family. He will not be forgotten. 

Thanks sam. 

 

Even if the money collected will never be able to replace this man, this is one of the times I will be positive to a fund raising online.

A true hero, who unfortunately became the only victim and life lost in this otherwise successful rescue. Big salute to you, Saman

May his family find some comfort in knowing that a big part of the world loves him, will never forget him and will see him as a hero forever.

It is always tragic for a family to lose a loved one. Here we are fortunate that it is one family, not 13. All of the divers showed exceptional courage and it is tragic that he did not make it. While I am sure the money raised will help the family, one hopes a permanent memorial to his and their bravery can ensure his heroism is never forgotten. Saman Kunan, a very brave man, RIP.

If only he had checked  how much air he had in his tank before setting out on that final trip he would be with us today

3 minutes ago, ba ba said:

If only he had checked  how much air he had in his tank before setting out on that final trip he would be with us today

I think that is quite a harsh statement to make. How do you know he did not check? It may well be he thought he had enough, but was delayed in the conditions. None of us know the circumstances he faced. He was trying to do a very difficult and dangerous task, and to suggest he died through being careless is quite callous.

14 minutes ago, ba ba said:

If only he had checked  how much air he had in his tank before setting out on that final trip he would be with us today

Shame on you making that post.

You like the rest of us do not know all the facts about what happened, so shut up.

Is there an official donation site or bank account for Officer Sam?

The REAL HERO. Total respect and condolences to his family. 

 

22 minutes ago, ba ba said:

If only he had checked  how much air he had in his tank before setting out on that final trip he would be with us today

Unpopular as this statement will be, its the truth, bearing in mind that we don't know the full story, it it appears he made a mistake, a mistake he paid the ultimate price for! 

Respect for putting himself in that position to start with. 

12 minutes ago, colinneil said:

Shame on you making that post.

You like the rest of us do not know all the facts about what happened, so shut up.

I would change your last two words.

2 minutes ago, CGW said:

Unpopular as this statement will be, its the truth, bearing in mind that we don't know the full story, it it appears he made a mistake,

How can you suggest that it the "truth" and then go on to say that we dont know the full story ?

  Any number of things could have happened 

4 minutes ago, sanemax said:

How can you suggest that it the "truth" and then go on to say that we dont know the full story ?

  Any number of things could have happened 

Facing reality? we all make mistakes, thought in the euphoria of the moment few will want to admit that.

5 minutes ago, CGW said:

Facing reality? we all make mistakes, thought in the euphoria of the moment few will want to admit that.

Its just speculation though , it hasnt been shown to be reality

RIP

He was also an avid cyclist so the Thai cycling community put on a ride in his honor "Ride For Sam"

https://www.facebook.com/pg/NichEvent/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1874259232633604

there's no bigger man than one who sacrifices himself for others. RIP Sam

1 hour ago, CGW said:

Unpopular as this statement will be, its the truth, bearing in mind that we don't know the full story, it it appears he made a mistake, a mistake he paid the ultimate price for! 

Respect for putting himself in that position to start with. 

Lots of things can go wrong in cave diving even to the fittest and best prepared. Some sensitive bits of bottle valves and air controls get banged on rocks etc. I would guess that the first actions of the guys who pulled him out of the water were concentrating on  him, not discussing what went wrong and checking the gear so they could inform the media and others who want to know every last detail.

R.I.P Saman.  A brave man doing a dangerous job.

1 hour ago, CGW said:

Unpopular as this statement will be, its the truth, bearing in mind that we don't know the full story

What are you saying? We don't know the full story, but it's the truth anyway?

1 hour ago, CGW said:

it it appears he made a mistake,

 

You don't know that. Please just refrain from that sort of talk and think of what he sacrificed and what his family must be going through.

2 hours ago, CGW said:

Unpopular as this statement will be, its the truth, bearing in mind that we don't know the full story, it it appears he made a mistake, a mistake he paid the ultimate price for! 

Respect for putting himself in that position to start with. 

 

How do you KNOW it is the truth?

 

Were you on the site as his dive buddy watching out for him as he would be watching out for you?

 

Unless you were there you have no idea and are only speculating.

Makes me well up when I see his pic. So sad.

 

But 13 lived.

 

Maybe we can donate through tvf?

 

To show our gratitude & love of Thailand.

 

 

This man lived his oath in protecting his country. The best words I can summon is the creed of the USAF Pararescuemen, affectionately called PJs (parajumpers). 

 

Pararescue Creed: It is my duty as a Pararescueman to save life and to aid the injured. I will be prepared at all times to perform my assigned duties quickly and efficiently, placing these duties before personal desires and comforts. These things I do, "That Others May Live.".

 

I would be proud to call him a brother.

3 hours ago, ba ba said:

If only he had checked  how much air he had in his tank before setting out on that final trip he would be with us today

Let's be respectful and not mention the subject again until an official report has been issued.

As mentioned before, there could be at least five reasons I can think of why this man , may he RiP, passed away, and there is no reason to speculate.
Making smart statements does not make you or anyone else look good,  and is hurtful for people close to the deceased.

Cheers to a real hero, well done Sam

2 hours ago, sanemax said:

How can you suggest that it the "truth" and then go on to say that we dont know the full story ?

  Any number of things could have happened 

If he made a mistake or not he still a true hero in my book! Respect! 

3 hours ago, ba ba said:

If only he had checked  how much air he had in his tank before setting out on that final trip he would be with us today

Hmm. Some thoughts are best left unsaid.

It surely is the saddest part of the miracle hope the boys never let his name be forgotten RIP brave Sam.

46 minutes ago, thaikahuna said:

This man lived his oath in protecting his country. 

 

I would be proud to call him a brother.

 

 

For the record, he was a security guard at Suvarnabhumi and had been for the last 12 years.