It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Narongsak Osatanakorn, known as the “Wild Boar Governor,” who passed away after a battle with cancer at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok. His funeral will take place at Wat Phra Si Mahathat, located in the Bang Khen district.
Narongsak earned widespread praise for his leadership during the dramatic rescue of the 12 young members of the Wild Boar football team trapped in Tham Luang Cave from June 23 to July 10, 2018. At the time, he held the position of Chiang Rai governor. His exceptional conduct during the rescue mission earned him the nickname “Wild Boar Governor” from various media outlets.
Born on June 1, 1965, in Plaeng Yao district of Chachoengsao province in eastern Thailand, Narongsak’s journey is an inspiring one. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Kasetsart University and a master’s degree in Geodetic Science and Surveying from Ohio State University in the United States.
Throughout his career, Narongsak held notable positions such as director of the Office of Mapping Technology and survey engineering consultant for the Department of Lands. Additionally, he played significant roles in organizations like the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency and the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Appointed as Chiang Rai governor in 2017, Narongsak’s transfer occurred just months before the much-publicized cave rescue event. However, he was granted permission to remain in charge as a caretaker until the mission’s successful completion.
As a testament to his incredible impact during the rescue, Narongsak received the 2018 Asia Game Changer Award from Asia Society. During the award ceremony in New York, he humbly said, “I hope this experience inspires people to start living for others. That would be a game-changer for the world.”
Following the rescue, Narongsak continued to make a difference as the governor of Phayao province in 2018, where he played a significant role in addressing pollution problems caused by particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter.
Later in 2019, he was appointed governor of Lampang province, where he achieved tremendous success in persuading local residents to receive Covid-19 vaccinations amid the pandemic. In 2021, he was appointed as the governor of Pathum Thani province.
As we mourn the loss of Narongsak Osatanakorn, the “Wild Boar Governor,” we celebrate his numerous accomplishments and the extraordinary impact he made throughout his distinguished career. His unwavering determination and dedication will forever inspire us to live selflessly and make the world a better place.
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