Saman Gunan, a 38-year-old security officer at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and former Thai Navy SEAL petty officer first class, died of asphyxiation while delivering supplies to the cave on 6 July. He had volunteered to help with the rescue effort and was placing air tanks along the diving route for future missions when he was unable to breathe trying to pass through a narrow underwater passageway and lost consciousness during the return trip. Kunan was brought to the surface by his dive partner, but attempts to resuscitate him failed. A royal-sponsored funeral in Bangkok was held in his honour.
Kunan resigned from the military and had worked as a patrol officer at the Suvarnabhumi Airport since 2006. He was a very capable SEAL and a triathlete who liked adventure sports. Although he resigned from the unit, he still loved and had a good connection with all the SEALs.
Kunan was an avid cyclist, as shown in several pictures posted on his now-memorialized Facebook profile.