Thirteen Lives on Amazon Prime is about saving 13 people, and the show brings together thousands of people from around the world. Twelve young football players and their coach are trapped in a flooded cave. As water levels in the caves rise and oxygen levels drop, the chances of rescuing them are diminishing every day. Experienced divers from around the world assist the Thai SEALs on the field on their first day. The film focuses on the entire thought process and the practical methods used to safely bring people out of the cave. While ultimately their stories had a happy ending, there were also some who lost their lives in the process. Saman Kunan is one of them. What happened to him? How did he die? Let’s find out.
How did Saman Kunan die?
Saman Kunan died on July 6, 2018, as a consequence of a lack of oxygen. He was in the cave where the Boars and their coach were trapped, placing air tanks on the way that would assist bring the boys out safely later. At one o’clock in the morning, he lost consciousness on the way back. It was later discovered that something in his gear was causing trouble, ultimately cutting off his oxygen supply and causing him to die. His diving buddy tried to assist him, but by then it was too late. After his death, Kunan’s body was sent to Bangkok airport. He received a royal sponsored funeral in his hometown of Roi Et.
The former Thai SEAL is a triathlete and a diver. He worked at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and retired from the military in 2006. He is married to Waleeporn Kunan, who describes him as someone who “loves helping others, doing charity work and getting things done”. Even after retirement, Kunan remained in close contact with former colleagues, who described him as “a highly skilled and proficient Navy SEAL and triathlete” with a passion for adventure sports.
A few days after Kunan’s tragic death, all 13 people trapped in the cave survived. The boys waited until they had recovered slightly and were mentally strong before being informed of Kunan’s news. “Everyone cried and expressed their condolences, wrote a message on Lieutenant Colonel Saman’s portrait, and observed a minute’s silence for him,” Says Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health. Kunan’s heroic act was praised by people all over the world. Many tributes were sent to him.
A bronze statue designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat was erected in the Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Noncave in Chiang Rai province to commemorate Kunan’s sacrifice and his contribution to the nation. The statue, about three meters high, features Kunan in diving gear, surrounded by 13 wild boars, symbolizing the wild boar team and their coach.