Search efforts for the 5 missing HMTS Sukhothai crew members will be expanded by the Royal Thai Navy to include nearby islets and islands in Surat Thani province.
The search teams have concluded their efforts in Chumphon province and are now moving south to Surat Thani province, according to Navy spokesperson Adm Pokkrong Monthatpalin.
The navy, the statement said, was concerned for the welfare of the victims’ families and will pay compensation as quickly as feasible. He said the money will come from insurance policies, personal savings, and corporate donations.
However, on Wednesday afternoon, two sailors had their cremations at Wat Sri Wano Padsathit in Rayong province, with the royal family paying for the expenses. One was dedicated to Chief Petty Officer First Class Kunakorn Jariyayot, also known as Mor Champ, the hero who sacrificed his own life to save the lives of three crew members before going back out to sea in search of the rest of the crew.
On December 18th, while on patrol in the Bang Saphan region of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, the HMTS Sukhothai went down in heavy waves. On Wednesday, 76 out of 105 crew members were accounted for, 24 had been found dead, and five crews were still missing.
