King of Thailand King Rama X has graciously granted the Royal Decorations to the rescue mission team from Australia who had played their key roles in the rescue mission of the Wild Boar soccer team that were trapped in a flooded cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand last year.
In a special ceremony at the Government House, Bangkok, Dr Richard Harris and Mr. Craig Challen were bestowed the “Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn”, said a statement from Royal Thai embassy in Canberra.
Furthermore, four officers from Australian Defence Force were also bestowed the Royal Decorations.
On this occasion, Dr. Harris, Mr. Challen and the whole team paid a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai also hosted a luncheon in honour of Dr Harris and Mr. Challen.
During their visit to Thailand on 18-30 April 2019, they both returned to Chiang Rai to visit Tham Luang cave and meet with the Wild Boar soccer team.
Dr Richard Harris and Mr. Craig Challen received prestigious Australian of the Year award for Rescue Mission in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
