An event commemorated the fifth anniversary of the rescue of young footballers and their coach from a flooded cave this morning.
People in Chiang Rai gathered to offer alms to 39 Buddhist monks and make merit at the Jao Mae Nang Non statue in front of Tham Luang, the cave where 13 footballers and their coach were rescued through an international effort in 2018 after 18 days trapped inside.
People paid respects to the lives lost during and since the rescue operation such as former Navy SEAL diver Saman Kunan as well as former Chiang Rai Gov. Narongsak Osottanakorn and team captain Duangphet “Dom” Phromthep, who both died this year.
Additionally, the Tham Luang national park will temporarily close to tourists Sunday through Sept. 30 to ensure effective management of the site, especially during the rainy season.
Visitors will be able to enter one chamber, and during the dry season, they will be able to explore up to two chambers, with guided tours provided by tourism officials.
The Tham Luang crisis gripped global interest from June 24, 2018, to July 10, 2018.
A massive rescue operation involving numerous agencies and volunteers from around the world was launched, resulting in the successful rescue of all 13 individuals. The incident and subsequent rescue marked a historic event that was covered by news media on a global scale.
Saman Kunan died during the rescue operation due to lack of oxygen.
In February, 17-year-old Duangphet “Dom” Phromthep, one of the boys in the soccer team, suddenly died in the United Kingdom at a football academy. The cause of death was not announced.
Last month, Gov. Narongsak Osottanakorn who led the rescue operation, died of lung cancer.
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