As tributes continue to pour in from around the world for Saman Kunan, the former Thai Navy Seal member who died during a rescue operation to extract 13 people from the Tham Luang cave complex, his wife and family are quietly remembering the fallen soldier in their own way.

Kunan's wife, Valeepoan Kunan, has taken to Instagram to post photos to remember her husband by.

In a post on July 7, a day after his death, she wrote: "You'll always be with me... there's no one like you... if you're not with me, I don't want to go on breathing... because we promised each other we would use the same breath."

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk5dCf6nPnn/

In the latest post on Tuesday, July 10, she wrote: "I miss you. I love you so much. I love you like you're my very heart."

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlD2ANxH_GO/

BBC video

BBC has interviewed the wife and father of the late Seal. They spoke on camera and expressed their sadness at the loss.

Kunan died due to a lack of oxygen on his way out of Tham Luang on the morning of July 6.

He was tasked to deliver oxygen supply in the cave but did not have enough for himself on the way out.

According to Thai media, a 15㎡ structure for the cremation, which will take place on Saturday, has been completed.

Free shuttle will be provided by a local bus company from Wednesday.

Kunan's wife said in the BBC video:

"In other people's eye's his lovely. For me, I love him so much. I really loved you."

"Everyday before he left for work, we said we loved each other. At midday, we'd text to see if the other had had lunch."

"In the evening, when he got home, I would ask him how he was."

"Saman once said we never knew when we would die. We can't control that, so we need to cherish every day."

"It's like I've died but I'm still alive."

"But I use my pride to repress my sadness."

"He's been praised as a hero because of who he was, doing charity work and getting things done."

"So I use pride to help deal with my sorrow."

"I want to tell you honey, you are the hero in my heart. You always were and always will be."

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In the BBC video, Kunan's father, Wichai Gunan, said: "I am very proud. But I am very sad too, because I lost my beloved son. May you rest in peace. Rest well. Daddy loves you."