Remember the brave British diver who rescued the 12 Thai boys and their football coach from Tham Luang Cave?
Well, it has been revealed the heroic diver is now dating a Thai nurse whom he met while on holiday in England, as reported in Daily Mail.
Source: Daily Mail
Rick Stanton, the 57-year-old British diver who led the Thai cave rescue, is currently dating Siripon Bugnngern, a nurse from Thailand.
The diver first met Siripon, also known as Amp, while she was on holiday in England, and they started dating just a few months after their meeting.
Amp, who is from Chiang Rai, a city close to Tham Luang cave, had volunteered to work as a translator for Rick and the rest of the rescue team when he was called in to lead the rescue mission.
Source: Daily Mail
An unnamed source claimed that the two are still in the early days of their relationship. #honeymoonperiod
“Although it’s early days and they haven’t been together for long, Rick is absolutely besotted with Amp.”
“She is from Chiang Rai so when Rick was asked to come and help rescue the missing boys Amp was right by his side. She has been helping Rick and the other divers throughout the rescue operation. Amp is part of the team, helping translate between the British and Thai rescuers.”
“They are very close. I wouldn’t be surprised if they get married.”
Source: Daily Mail
One of Amp’s friends revealed that Amp was only back to Chiang Rai for a few days before she received a call from Rick to assist in the rescue mission.
“She took part in the rescue mission and stayed with the team of divers during the operation.”
Another friend of hers, Chadaporn Chamyam said Amp never informed anyone where she was.
“Amp never told anyone where she was. She is such a good person and a role model.”
Source: Daily Mail
Despite an age gap of more than 20 years, the couple shares their love for outdoor pursuits. Rick has an immense passion for cave explorations while Amp enjoys canoeing, climbing and travelling.
Source: Daily Mail
Their beautiful romance story has since garnered much attention online, with many netizens leaving supportive and congratulatory messages on social media sites.
Source: Twitter
Source: Twitter
Rick, who was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), is famously known as “the man to call” for cave rescues.
He, along with fellow British diver John Volanthen, was the first to find the missing boys inside the cave.
British divers Rick Stanton (left), Harper (centre) and Volanthen (right) inside Tham Luang cave l Source: Daily Mail
Source: The Nation
According to ThaiVisa, after the success of the Thai cave rescue operation, Thai officials had awarded each diver with a Thailand Elite Card worth 500,000 baht (approx. RM60,800), which allows them to stay in Thailand for five years plus other benefits.
Aren’t they a lovely couple? Here’s to wishing them a lifetime of love and happiness!
Also read: Thai Navy SEAL Diver Says Boys Were Sedated During Rescue Mission, Here’s Why