Bronze Statue of Lt Commander Saman Gunan Arrives in Chiang Rai

 

CHIANG RAI – The statue of the Navy Seal Ja Sam has already been transported to Chiang Rai and will be installed at Tham Luang–Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park, where it will displayed to the World.

The 3.20 by 2.50-meter bronze statue of Lt Commander Saman Gunan was delivered to Chiang Rai yesterday.

Lt Commander Saman, better known as Ja Sam, was a former Thai Navy SEAL who lost his life during the rescue mission of the Mu Pa Academy football team members and their coach, earlier this year.

A large number of people gathered along the route in honor of his heroic efforts in the rescue mission.

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National artist Chalermchai Kositpipat who made the statue said that his creation will be kept at Wat Rong Khun’s foundry tonight. The statue will be paraded in a motorcade and will be placed in the memorial pavilion in front of the cave in Tham Luang-Khunnam Nang Non Forest Park today at 3 pm.

Officials and the 12 Wild Boars and their football coach will join the procession, with 200 members of the public.

Chalermchai revealed that there will be no specific ceremony for the installation of the statue of the hero as the cave is currently undergoing renovation. He also added that one of the two paintings depicting the rescue operation has already been put in place. According to the national artist, he still needs 4-5 days to add finish touches.

Although the memorial pavilion is not yet open for public viewing, interested individuals can still view the statue from outside.

By Thana Boonlert