Thai Cave Boys To Become Monks As A Tribute To The Diver Who Died Rescuing Them

Thai Cave Boys Will Become Novice Buddhist Monks In Memory Of Mr Saman Kunan

In an unexpected twist to the Thai cave rescue saga, the father of one of the boys has announced that all 12 of them will be entering monkhood in the coming weeks.

This is in honour of Mr Saman Kunan, the navy diver who died during the 18-day rescue mission.

Entering monkhood to honour the dead is a common practice in Thailand, whose population largely follows the Theravada string of Buddhism. Devotees believe that becoming a monk and donating the good karma gained is one of the greatest honours that a person can give to another.

Source

But since the boys are below 20 years old, they will be ordained as novices. Novices are monks who face fewer restrictions – just 10, compared to the 227 imposed on full-fledged monks.

Their act is a fitting tribute to Mr Kunan, who was the only fatality of the rescue mission at Tham Luang cave complex.

Full of dramatic twists and turns, the Thai cave rescue effort gripped the world. It saw divers and volunteers of various nationalities coming together to help save the boys.

The 12 boys and their coach had become trapped in a flooded cave and faced a shortage of water, food and even air. They made their first public appearance on Wednesday (18 Jul) at a press conference in Chiang Rai.

Diver died a hero

Mr Suman passed away on 6 July – just 2 days before the first boy was brought to safety.

Source

 

Tragedy struck as he was placing oxygen tanks in the passageways of the cave to provide air to the trapped boys, as well as the Thai cave rescue workers.

But as air supply was already so low, Mr Suman suffocated and lost consciousness. His diving partner’s subsequent efforts to revive him were futile.

Thai cave boys recount gruelling ordeal

Source

At the press conference, the boys recounted their traumatic experience inside the flooded cave complex. Without food, they turned to water dripping from stalactites to fill them up.

The victims even took turns digging at the cave walls to find a way out, but were discouraged from doing so by their coach.

Looking back, the boys said that the experience had taught them to persevere and never give up.

Given their terrible ordeal, it’s a relief to see them smiling and well.

Featured image from Facebook

Vivien Lee

Recent Posts

Mixue S’pore’s S$1 cone will cost S$1.50 from 25 Nov due to rising cost of raw materials

Mixue will be giving out 1,000 vouchers at each store.

22 Nov 2024, 1:28 am

Man spills Chagee drink inside car while trying to peel perforated section for lucky draw

The bubble tea store covered the car wash fee and gave him a new drink.

21 Nov 2024, 6:23 pm

Man in Korea kills woman who requested breakup after dating for 19 days, gets life imprisonment

The man reportedly stabbed her in the face, neck, and abdomen 58 times.

21 Nov 2024, 6:19 pm

‘0000’ number combination wins 2nd prize in 20 Nov 4D draw

Some netizens felt "nobody" would buy such an unusual combination.

21 Nov 2024, 5:32 pm

‘Tyre slasher’ allegedly deflates tyres in Woodlands carparks, arrested for being public nuisance

The act was seemingly carried out in the name of a climate activist group.

21 Nov 2024, 5:18 pm

Woman in Taiwan gives birth inside toilet, did not know she was pregnant

The baby girl was unresponsive and died in the hospital.

21 Nov 2024, 4:59 pm