CHIANG RAI, DEC 14 (TNA) – The bronze statue of
Lt-Commander Samarn Gunan, the former Navy SEAL who died in the dramatic
operation to rescue young footballers from Tham Luang cave in July, has been
installed in front of the cave.
The statue that was cast in Ayutthaya province was transported to
Chiang Rai on Wednesday before it was paraded from Wat Rong Khun temple through
landmarks in Chiang Rai City on Thursday.
The 12 Wild Boars and their football coach and hundreds of
members of the public led by national artist Chalermchai Kositpipat joined the
parade to move the statue to a memorial pavilion in front of the cave.
Large crowds of people gathered along the route to honor Ja
Sam.
At the memorial pavilion, Chalermchai read out a poem in
remembrance of Saman’s sacrifice and heroic actions to save the youths.
Lt-Commander Saman also known as Ja Sam died during the
rescue mission of the 13 Moo Pa Academy footballers and their coach in July.
The 3.6-meter-tall statue depicts the hero of Tham Luang
carrying oxygen tank and holding a flashlight with 13 wild boars on his side.
Chalermchai and artist community of Chiang Rai have also
created paintings depicting the rescue operation.(TNA)
