As the fifth anniversary of the successful rescue of the Wild Boars footballers and their coach from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai approaches, provincial officials are set to organize a commemorative event and plan to allow tourists to enter the cave.
Young football players and their coach were trapped in a flooded cave from June 23 to July 10, 2018. Their daring, incredible and carefully planned rescue by a team of Thai and international divers captured the attention of the world. Many believed that the rescue mission was doomed to failure.
The commemorative event will take place on July 10, the day of the successful rescue of 12 youths and their coach. Monks will be offered donations to bring blessings to former Thai Seal team diver Saman Kunan, who died during the rescue operation. Donations will also be offered for Duangpet "Dom" Promthep, one of the rescued footballers who died at the age of 17 while at a football academy in England in February.
The captain of the team received a scholarship to study at the football academy and said that his goal was to return to Thailand to play for the national team.
From July 10 to 15, there will also be other rescue events, readings in memory of Sergeant Sam and Dom, and a tribute to the volunteers who saved 13 lives.
Provincial officials also said they are preparing to allow visitors to enter the cave, but subject to strict security measures. The cave complex in Tham Luang Hunnam Nangnon National Park has become a tourist attraction inspired by the high-profile rescue. However, they were only allowed to visit its entrance, Command 1, and move no more than 150 meters from the entrance. Sixteen 30-minute tours are allowed each day for a maximum of 25 visitors.
