The 13

[reader]

From Pattaya Mail

Tham Luang cave to open to tours

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is set to introduce guided tours to Chamber 3 of the Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province. This section of the cave was the operations base for the notable rescue of the “Wild Boars” football team five years ago.

DNP Director-General Athapol Charoenchansa said the tours, which start on December 15, will allow groups of 10-12 visitors to traverse to Chamber 2 and Chamber 3, giving them a first-hand look at the challenges faced during the rescue.

Previously, Chamber 3, about two kilometers from the cave’s entrance, was exclusively accessible to researchers and experts. Officials expressed hope that the upcoming tours will showcase a significant part of Thailand’s history to the public while allowing visitors to appreciate the intricacies and efforts of the high-profile rescue mission. (NNT)

[PeterRS]

It would be a nice gesture, I think, if they named the guided tours after the boy who died earlier this year in England of an apparent suicide.

[Keithambrose]

7 hours ago, PeterRS said:

It would be a nice gesture, I think, if they named the guided tours after the boy who died earlier this year in England of an apparent suicide.

I second that, but it may be too sensible for the Thai authorities!

[reader]

From The Nation

Adventure tourists to descend famous Tham Luang Cave

A limited number of tourists who strive for adventure are able to visit chambers 2 and 3 of Tham Luang Cave in Chiang Rai province.

The cave is a part of Tham Luang–Khun Nam Nang Non National Park, and became famous after the breathtaking rescue of the Wild Boar children’s football team of 12 footballers and one coach in June 2018.

Registration for trips into the cave were opened on December 15. Initially, the trip will be organised twice, in the mornings and afternoons, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Eligible tourists will join a two- to four-hour exploration along the approximately 700-metre-deep route. They will encounter the stalacites, rocks and holes that caused the rescue difficulties in 2018.

The cave trip costs 950 baht per person for Thai tourists and 1,500 baht per person for foreign tourists. Fees for equipment and accident insurance are not included.

Tourists must register at least 15 days in advance; the national park will consider upcoming weather conditions before informing applicants within seven days.

Eligible tourists must show their ID card and evidence of registration on arrival at the park. Those who have not registered in advance will not be allowed to enter chambers 2 and 3 of the cave.

Interested people can register for the trip here. They can visit the Tham Luang–Khun Nam Nang Non National Park’s Facebook page or Protected Areas Regional Office 15 (Chiang Rai) website for more information.

[reader]

From ABC News (Australia)

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.