PM expresses condolences on people killed in three incidents

BANGKOK, July 6 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed his condolences towards the families of people killed in three incidents and ordered the armed forces to give the best rewards to their dedicated personnel and prioritize safety. Col Taksada Sangkhajan, assistant government spokesperson, said Gen Prayut extended his deepest condolences to the family of Petty Officer First Class Samarn Kunan, 38, a former navy SEAL diver, who died while he was transporting air tanks in Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province. He has resigned from Royal Thai Navy and was working in a volunteer capacity in the rescue mission. “The prime minister stressed that he did not want any loss and all parties must prioritize the safety of 13 people trapped in the cave and all officials. People should not put any expectation or pressure on rescuers. However, as the incident happened, he assigned the Interior Ministry to take due actions in response,” the assistant government spokesperson said. Col Taksada also said that the prime minister expressed his condolences to the colleagues and families of the three soldiers who were killed in the crash of a U-17 patrol plane of the Naresuan Task Force in a forest in Mae Hong Son province during its patrol. The prime minister ordered the army to offer the best compensation to their families, organize funerals in full honor of the killed soldiers and take good care of the injured. The prime minister also expressed his condolences on the death of tourists whose boats capsized off Phuket province. He ordered due compensation and quick search and rescue of missing people, Col Taksada said. The prime minister urged boat operators and tourists to prioritize safety, the assistant government spokesperson said. (TNA)