On 12 July 2018, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand sent a letter to Dr. Richard Harris, the renowned anaesthetist and expert diver who played an important role in assisting the boys and their coach out of the cave safely in Chiangrai Province, Thailand. According to the letter, General Prayut extended to Dr. Harris, on behalf of the Royal Thai Government and the people of Thailand, the most heartfelt condolences upon the passing of his father. The Prime Minister also expressed deepest gratitude to him for his selfless contribution to the rescue mission. Dr. Harris’ role in planning a safe rescue, was pivotal the success of this complex mission, and his efforts have touched the hearts of people around the world, and will always be remembered by the Royal Thai Government and people of Thailand, said the Prime Minister.

          On the same day Prime Minister General Prayut also sent another thank you letter to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, reiterating the deepest gratitude to the Government of Australia and the Australian multi-agency team of experts, for taking part in the successful search and rescue operation of the Thai youth soccer team. The Prime Minister of Thailand stated in the letter that the incident inspired people around the world and demonstrated humanity at its best.