Pathum Thani Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn, who was hailed for his role in coordinating the “Wild Boars” rescue operation in Chiang Rai over four years ago, has died after unsuccessful treatment for cancer, according to a senior official of the Interior Ministry.
He said Narongsak, 58, passed away peacefully at Siriraj Hospital at around 6pm on Wednesday.
“As his superintendent and colleague, I want to convey my deepest condolences to the family of Khun Narongsak,” said Interior Permanent Secretary Suthipong Chulcharoen.
As governor of Chiang Rai in 2018, Narongsak played a crucial role in coordinating the much-publicised and successful operation to rescue 13 young footballers and their coach from a flooded cave.
Narongsak was later transferred to serve as governor of Phayao before moving to Pathum Thani. He turned down an approach by the Palang Pracharath Party to run in the Bangkok gubernatorial election last year before informing the public that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
