Royal Decoration of the Kingdom of Thailand bestowed on UK Cave Rescuers
The British Cave Rescue Council is pleased to convey that on Monday 3rd February the UK Cave Rescuers that were deployed to Thailand to help rescue the 12 young members of the Moo Pa Wild Boars football team and their coach that were trapped deep inside the Tham Luang were awarded the Royal Decoration of the Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn – receiving the title of ‘Knight Commanders’ 1st or 2nd Class.
The ceremony was performed by His Excellency Mr. Pisanu Suvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand, and held in the Thailand Embassy ballroom, London.
As well as receiving the awards and decorations the rescuers were presented with a certificate signed by General (Ret.) Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand expressing his gratitude ‘for the selfless acts performed to help fellow human beings in danger’.
Each were also presented with a letter signed by The King of Thailand, where one of the sentences reads ‘This circumstance has clearly shown the power of unity in action, power of love and goodwill towards fellow men regardless of race and religious beliefs.’
The Royal Thai Embassy congratulated all honourable conferees of the Royal Decorations and conveyed their best wishes for their future endeavours.
The name of the conferees from the British Cave Rescue Council are as follows:
Knight Grand Cross (First Class)
Mr. Richard Stanton
Mr. John Volanthen
Mr. Christopher Jewell
Mr. Jason Mallinson
Mr. Connor Roe
Mr. Joshua Bratchley
Knight Commander (Second Class)
Mr. Michael Clayton
Mr. Gary Mitchell
Mr. Robert Harper
Mr. Martin Ellis