Thai cave rescue hero Dr Richard Harris appointed South Australia's Lieutenant Governor

The heroic doctor involved in the infamous Thai cave rescue has been named as South Australia's next Lieutenant Governor.

South Australian anaesthetist Dr Richard Harris, who rose to fame after his involvement in the rescue of 12 children trapped in a cave in Thailand, will be sworn into the role next month.

The former Australian of the Year will replace Dr James Muecke, who has served in the role since 2022.

Dr Harris was described as an integral part of the rescue of a team of soccer players and their 25-year-old coach from a flooded cave in northern Thailand in 2018.

Dr Harris conducted initial medical assessments on the boys and advised authorities on the safest extraction methods.

On the day of evacuation, he gave the medical all-clear for each boy and administered anaesthesia before they left the cave.

Dr Harris was about to leave on a cave diving adventure when he was called by expert divers from the UK to assist in the rescue mission using his unique dual skills of medical knowledge and cave diving.

He was the last person out of the cave.

Dr Harris received the prestigious Star of Courage bravery award for his efforts, and was named joint Australian of the Year in 2019.

In his new role, Dr Harris will serve as deputy to South Australia's Governor, Frances Adamson.

The Lieutenant Governor acts as the state's Vice Regal representative in the absence of the Governor.

In a statement, Dr Harris said he was "truly honoured" to be appointed to the role and thanked Dr Muecke for his service.