The Thai Navy SEALs have thanked Australia for their help with the Tham Luang cave rescue, and shared their sympathy with Dr Richard Harris, whose father passed away after the mission finished.

Dr Harris played a key role in the international rescue effort, coordinated by the Thai military, that ended with all 12 boys and their coach in safety on Tuesday night.

However, shortly after emerging from the cave in north-western Thailand himself, Dr Harris was told his father had died.

“Our condolences to Doctor Richard Harris, one of the leading rescuers whose father just passed away hours after his rescue mission had been completed,” the Thai Navy SEALs wrote on their Facebook page.