
08/12/2025
In July 2018, the world held its breath as twelve boys and their soccer coach became trapped deep inside the flooded Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The rescue mission was fraught with danger—treacherous underwater passages, limited oxygen supplies, and the constant threat of rising water levels made every moment critical. As international teams joined forces, hope rested on the bravery and skill of those willing to face the unknown depths.
Among the rescuers was Saman Kunan, a former Thai Navy SEAL who volunteered to navigate the perilous underwater tunnels. His vital task was to carry oxygen tanks to the trapped boys, ensuring their survival during the rescue. On July 6th, after successfully delivering oxygen supplies, Saman’s own air ran out on the return journey. Exhausted and out of oxygen, he tragically lost his life inside the cave, sacrificing himself so that others might live.
Saman Kunan’s death marked a profound moment of heroism and selflessness. Honored as a national hero in Thailand, his courage continues to inspire people worldwide. His sacrifice is a poignant reminder of the extraordinary risks taken by those who put the lives of others above their own, forever engraving his name in the story of human compassion and bravery.