The Thai boys evacuated from the flooded cave have paid their respects to the former Navy Seal diver who died trying to save them.

The 12 youngsters and their football coach were not told that Saman Kunan had drowned ahead of their dramatic rescue from the Tham Luang cavern just days ago.

His dramatic death convinced the Thai authorities for the need to call back the British cave-diving experts to lead the ‘mission impossible’ to save the boys.

But now doctors have decided the boys, aged between 11 and 16, are well enough to learned of the former Thai Navy Seal’s personal sacrifice for them.

‘All of the boys who were evacuated from the cave have been informed of the death of one of the rescuers,’

Dr Jesada Chockbamrungsuk, who is in charge of their treatment announced.’

All of the boys cried and were in tears when they found out.’

One boy covers his face as he cries.

Ekkapol Chantawong, the 25-year-old football coach who led the ill-fated outing into the cave, wipes away tears with a clenched fist.

The survivors expressed their thanks to the Thai Navy Seal by bowing to his picture.