PM thanks all parties for rescuing people from Tham Luang

BANGKOK, July 11 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was on the national TV network and extended his gratitude towards all parties involved in the successful 17-day-long rescue mission for 12 young footballers and their coach of the Moo Pa Academy team who had been trapped in the flooded Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province. In his address at noon, Gen Prayut said the government mobilized all possible resources to help the 13 people after learning they were trapped in the cave on June 23. The efforts were supported by foreign search and rescue teams for 17 days until the mission was accomplished. On behalf of the government, Gen Prayut said he would like to extend its deepest gratitude towards all parties involved, be they government and private personnel, volunteers, foreign rescuers, and Thai and foreign journalists, for their support with knowledge, instruments and action. He also mentioned CPO1 Samarn Gunan, saying the man won international praise for his death in one of his dives for the rescue mission. The incident showed that people could pass through crises with calmness, unity, collaboration and dedication, Gen Prayut said. (TNA)