Tham Luang cave rescue#Search

File:Doi_Nang_Non.JPG, known among Thais as the "Mountain of the Sleeping Lady". When viewed from this angle, it is said to resemble a woman lying on her back.]]

Tham Luang Nang Non is a karstic cave complex beneath Doi Nang Non, a mountain range on the border between Thailand and Myanmar. The cave system is {{convert|10|km}} long and has many deep recesses, narrow passages and tunnels winding under hundreds of metres of limestone strata. Since part of the system is seasonally flooded, a sign advising against entering the caves during the rainy season (July to November) is posted at the entrance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/2018-07-03-watch--agonising-rescue-ahead-for-thai-cave-boys-as-nation-rejoices/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703140012/https://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/2018-07-03-watch--agonising-rescue-ahead-for-thai-cave-boys-as-nation-rejoices/ |url-status=dead |title=Agonising rescue ahead for Thai cave boys as nation rejoices|archive-date=3 July 2018|date=3 July 2018|agency=AFP|website=DispatchLIVE}}

On Saturday 23 June 2018, a group of 12 boys aged between 11 and 16, from a local junior football team named the Wild Boars, and their 25-year-old assistant coach, Ekkaphon Kanthawong,{{Facebook|eakatol|เอกพล จันทะวงษ์}}. went missing after exploring the caves. According to early news reports, they planned to have a birthday party in the cave after the football practice and spent a significant sum of money on food, but they denied this in a news conference after the rescue. The team was stranded in the tunnels by sudden and continuous rainfall after they had entered the cave system. They were forced to leave some food supplies behind when fleeing the rising water.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44799779|title=Cave rescue: Key questions answered|work=BBC World News|date=13 July 2018|access-date=12 July 2018|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719053546/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44799779|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/05/thai-soccer-boys-missed-cave-trip-wild-boars|title=Left behind: the two Thai boys who missed out on disastrous cave trip|first=Michael|last=Safi|date=5 July 2018|website=The Guardian|access-date=9 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709185723/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/05/thai-soccer-boys-missed-cave-trip-wild-boars|archive-date=9 July 2018}}{{cite news |title=Thai cave rescue: Four boys freed but rest must wait |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44757804 |date=8 July 2018 |work=BBC World News |access-date=8 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712031940/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44757804 |archive-date=12 July 2018 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44760896|title=Cave rescue: Four more boys rescued by Thai Navy divers|date=9 July 2018|access-date=10 July 2018|work=BBC World News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710021454/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44760896|archive-date=10 July 2018}}

File:ร่วมส่งกำลังใจให้เจ้าหน้าที่ทุกหน่วย วันที่ 5 .webm (no subtitles)]]

At around 7 pm that evening, the head coach and founder of the team, Nopparat Kanthawong ({{langx|th|นพรัตน์ กัณฑะวงษ์}}), checked his phone and found about 20 missed calls from parents worried that their children had not returned. Nopparat dialled assistant coach Ekkaphon and a number of the boys, but he was unable to reach them. He eventually contacted Songpon Kanthawong, a 13-year-old member of the team who said that he had separated from the team after practice and that the rest of the boys had entered the Tham Luang caves. The coach raced to the caves, finding abandoned bicycles and bags near the entrance and water seeping from the muddy pathway.{{cite news |last=Mahtani |first=Shibani |title='He loved them more than himself': How a 25-year-old former monk kept the Thai soccer team alive |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/he-loved-them-more-than-himself-how-a-25-year-old-former-monk-kept-the-thai-soccer-team-alive/2018/07/07/b4100076-815e-11e8-b3b5-b61896f90919_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=7 July 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=10 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710012532/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/he-loved-them-more-than-himself-how-a-25-year-old-former-monk-kept-the-thai-soccer-team-alive/2018/07/07/b4100076-815e-11e8-b3b5-b61896f90919_story.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription}} He alerted authorities to the missing group after seeing the team's unclaimed belongings.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2154269/how-25-year-old-ex-monk-kept-thai-cave-boys-alive-and-won|title=How a 25-year-old ex-monk kept the Thai cave boys alive – and won the hearts of their parents|date=8 July 2018|access-date=12 July 2018|work=South China Morning Post|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712092751/https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2154269/how-25-year-old-ex-monk-kept-thai-cave-boys-alive-and-won|url-status=live}}

There were 12 children and one adult trapped in the cave, as follows:{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44762010|title=Cave rescue: Who are the 12 boys and their coach who were trapped in Thailand?|date=11 July 2018|work=BBC World News|access-date=12 July 2018|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711223055/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44762010|url-status=live}}

At the time of the rescue, the assistant coach and three of the boys had no nationality. Head coach Nopparat explained that they are from tribes in an area known as the "Golden Triangle", which extends across parts of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Southwestern China.{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/stateless-and-poor-some-thai-boys-in-cave-already-beat-long-odds-20180711-p4zqrm.html |title=Stateless and poor, some Thai boys in cave had already beat long odds |last=Beech |first=Hannah |date=11 July 2018 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |url-status=live |archive-date=13 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713193756/https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/stateless-and-poor-some-thai-boys-in-cave-already-beat-long-odds-20180711-p4zqrm.html}} This region has no clear borders and the people are not assigned passports. Their statelessness deprived them of basic benefits and rights, including the liberty to leave Chiang Rai province. "To get nationality is the biggest hope for the boys", head coach Nopparat said. "In the past, these boys have problems travelling to play matches outside of Chiang Rai because of their nationless status."{{cite web |last=Bacon |first=John |title=Video shows rescued Thai soccer players waving to parents, loved ones |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/07/11/thai-cave-rescue-how-100-heroes-came-together-save-12-boys-coach/774339002/ |work=USA Today |access-date=12 July 2018 |archive-date=11 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711213725/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/07/11/thai-cave-rescue-how-100-heroes-came-together-save-12-boys-coach/774339002/ |url-status=live }} Following the team's rescue, Thai officials promised to provide the three boys and the coach with legal assistance in obtaining Thai citizenship, a process that could take up to six months.{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/thai-cave-latest-rescued-boys-citizenship-coach-stateless-trapped-chiang-rai-a8445516.html |title=Thailand cave rescue: 'Stateless' boys and coach to be granted Thai citizenship after ordeal |work=The Independent |last=Withnall |first=Adam |date=13 July 2018 |access-date=13 July 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717090340/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/thai-cave-latest-rescued-boys-citizenship-coach-stateless-trapped-chiang-rai-a8445516.html |url-status=live }} The four were granted Thai citizenship on 26 September 2018.{{cite web |title=Thai cave rescue: stateless boys and coach granted citizenship |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/09/thai-cave-rescue-stateless-boys-and-coach-granted-citizenship |work=The Guardian |date=9 August 2018 |access-date=28 September 2018 |archive-date=26 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926075127/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/09/thai-cave-rescue-stateless-boys-and-coach-granted-citizenship |url-status=live }}

{{External media|video1 = [https://www.facebook.com/ThaiSEAL/videos/1631228493667210/ The first video released by Thai Navy SEALs showing the children and their coach after they were found by British volunteer divers]| width=230px}}

{{External media | float=right | width=230px | image1=[https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/146FC/production/_102380738_thai_cave_detailed_mapv2_976-nc.png Map, from above, of the Tham Luang cave system], provided by BBC News | image2=[https://www.dw.com/image/44537901_7.png Map, side view, of the Tham Luang cave system], provided by Deutsche Welle}}

File:Police exploring cave opening at Doi Pha Mi.jpg

British caver Vernon Unsworth, who lives in Chiang Rai and has knowledge of the cave complex, was scheduled to make a solo venture into the cave on 24 June when he received a call about the missing boys.{{cite news |last1=Wright |first1=Rebecca |last2=Clarke |first2=Hilary |title=British diver recalls Thai cave rescue: 'Are we heroes? No' |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/13/uk/thai-cave-rescue-british-divers-intl/index.html |access-date=19 July 2018 |work=CNN |date=15 July 2018 |archive-date=15 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715151931/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/13/uk/thai-cave-rescue-british-divers-intl/index.html |url-status=live }} Unsworth advised the Thai government to request assistance from the British Cave Rescue Council (BCRC).{{cite press release |title=British cave rescue diver involvement in the Luang Nang Non, cave rescue incident, Thailand |url=https://www.caverescue.org.uk/luang-nang-non-cave-rescue-thailand/ |website=British Cave Rescue Council |access-date=19 July 2018 |date=28 June 2018 |archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709153623/http://www.caverescue.org.uk/luang-nang-non-cave-rescue-thailand/|url-status=live}} On 25 June, Thai Navy SEALs divers arrived and began searching the cave.{{cite news |title=Timeline of young footballers, coach being trapped in Mae Sai cave, Chiang Rai |url=http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/timeline-young-footballers-coach-trapped-mae-sai-cave-chiang-rai/ |access-date=19 July 2018 |work=Thai PBS |date=25 June 2018 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233205/http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/timeline-young-footballers-coach-trapped-mae-sai-cave-chiang-rai/ |url-status=dead }} A Thai Navy SEAL said the water was so murky that even with lights they could not see where they were going underwater. After continuous rain, which further flooded the entrance, the search had to be temporarily interrupted. On 27 June, three BCRC cave divers arrived with specialist equipment including HeyPhone radios,{{cite news |title=In with the Old: How a 17-Year-Old DIY Radio Helped Save the Thai Soccer Team |url=https://www.engineering.com/story/in-with-the-old-how-a-17-year-old-diy-radio-helped-save-the-thai-soccer-team |publisher=engineering.com |access-date=15 August 2022 |date=12 July 2018 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205141444/https://www.engineering.com/story/in-with-the-old-how-a-17-year-old-diy-radio-helped-save-the-thai-soccer-team |url-status=live }} followed by separate teams of open-water divers. On 28 June, a United States Air Force team—reportedly United States Air Force Pararescuemen{{Cite web |last=Atlamazoglou |first=Stavros |date=29 February 2020 |title=Pararescueman recognized for his role in the Thai Cave rescue operation |url=https://sofrep.com/news/pararescueman-recognized-for-his-role-in-the-thai-cave-rescue-operation/ |access-date=9 September 2023 |website=SOFREP |language=en-us |url-status=live |archive-date=2 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302130651/https://sofrep.com/news/pararescueman-recognized-for-his-role-in-the-thai-cave-rescue-operation/}} from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, the 31st Rescue Squadron, and the 353rd Special Operations Group—joined them. By 29 June, an Australian Federal Police team of Specialist Response Group divers had arrived, followed by a Chinese team of divers from the Beijing Peaceland Foundation on Sunday, 1 July.{{cite news |last=Leoni |first=Victoria |title=US airmen assisting with rescue of stranded Thai soccer team |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/07/05/us-airmen-assisting-with-rescue-of-stranded-thai-soccer-team/ |access-date=19 July 2018 |work=Air Force Times |date=5 July 2018 |archive-date=10 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710162325/https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/07/05/us-airmen-assisting-with-rescue-of-stranded-thai-soccer-team/ |url-status=live }}{{cite press release |title=Update: AFP statement on Thai cave rescue |url=https://www.afp.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/update-afp-statement-thai-cave-rescue |access-date=19 July 2018 |publisher=Australian Federal Police |date=5 July 2018}}{{cite press release |title=Chinese Experts Joining Search and Rescue of Teenage Football Team of Thailand |url=http://www.mfa.gov.cn/ce/ceth/eng/gdxw/t1572894.htm |access-date=19 July 2018 |publisher=Embassy of The People's Republic of China in The Kingdom of Thailand |date=29 June 2018}}

Meanwhile, policemen with sniffer dogs searched the surface above for shaft openings that could provide alternative entrances to the cave system below. Drones and robots were also used in the search, but no technology existed to scan for people deep underground.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44652397|title=Drones, dogs, drilling and desperation|date=30 June 2018|website=BBC World News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702190116/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44652397|archive-date=2 July 2018}}

BCRC divers Richard Stanton and John Volanthen advanced through the cave complex placing diving guidelines, supported by Thailand-based Belgian cave diver Ben Reymenants{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/british-divers-richard-stanton-and-john-volanthen-at-the-heart-of-the-thai-cave-rescue-nhtrm9shr|title=British divers Richard Stanton and John Volanthen at the heart of the Thai cave rescue|date=4 July 2018|access-date=22 July 2018|work=The Times|last=Low|first=Valentine|archive-date=12 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312231235/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/british-divers-richard-stanton-and-john-volanthen-at-the-heart-of-the-thai-cave-rescue-nhtrm9shr|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}{{cite press release |title=Update on the cave search and rescue operation in Tham Luang Nang Non Cave, Thailand |url=https://www.caverescue.org.uk/luang-nang-non-cave-rescue-thailand2/ |access-date=19 July 2018 |website=British Cave Rescue Council |date=2 July 2018 |archive-date=8 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708102732/http://www.caverescue.org.uk/luang-nang-non-cave-rescue-thailand2/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Pond |first=Matt |title=Cave Man: Phuket diver Ben Reymenants relives four days in Tham Luang cave rescue mission |url=https://www.thephuketnews.com/cave-man-phuket-diver-ben-reymenants-relives-four-days-in-tham-luang-cave-rescue-mission-67785.php#C4klFiHzRbk9afIU.97 |work=The Phuket News |date=7 July 2018 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233205/https://www.thephuketnews.com/cave-man-phuket-diver-ben-reymenants-relives-four-days-in-tham-luang-cave-rescue-mission-67785.php#C4klFiHzRbk9afIU.97 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|author1=Richard Harris|title=Facebook post with photo|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214384549239609&set=a.4627722743117.167310.1594266748&type=3|via=Facebook|date=13 July 2018|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308000759/https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214384549239609&set=a.4627722743117.167310.1594266748&type=3|url-status=live}} and French diver Maksym Polejaka.{{Cite web|url=https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/french-diver-explains-difficulties-ahead-trapped-team-faces-race-water/|title=French diver explains difficulties ahead as trapped team faces 'race against water' {{!}} Coconuts Bangkok|last=coconutsbangkok|date=5 July 2018|website=Coconuts|language=en-US|access-date=3 April 2019|archive-date=25 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325092522/https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/french-diver-explains-difficulties-ahead-trapped-team-faces-race-water/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thephuketnews.com/hero-behind-the-scenes-interview-with-cave-diver-maksym-polejaka-69014.php|title=Hero behind the scenes – Interview with cave diver, Maksym Polejaka|last=Com|first=The Phuket News|date=18 October 2018|website=The Phuket News Com|language=en|access-date=3 April 2019|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403093927/https://www.thephuketnews.com/hero-behind-the-scenes-interview-with-cave-diver-maksym-polejaka-69014.php|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OMyIDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA46|title=Rising Water: The Story of the Thai Cave Rescue|last=Aronson|first=Marc|year=2019|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-5344-4413-3|language=en|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=10 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710162246/https://books.google.com/books?id=OMyIDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA46|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.samuitimes.com/cave-man-phuket-diver-ben-reymenants-relives-four-days-in-tham-luang-cave-rescue-mission/|title=Cave Man: Phuket diver Ben Reymenants relives four days in Tham Luang cave rescue mission|date=8 July 2018|website=Samui Times|language=en-GB|access-date=3 April 2019|archive-date=12 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190312163411/http://www.samuitimes.com/cave-man-phuket-diver-ben-reymenants-relives-four-days-in-tham-luang-cave-rescue-mission/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/features-russian-44708701 |title=Путь в темноту: как украинцы спасали детей из пещеры в Таиланде |trans-title=Path into the Dark: How Ukrainians Rescued Children from a Cave in Thailand |website=BBC News Ukraine |date=4 July 2018 |access-date=3 April 2019 |language=ru |archive-date=3 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403105309/https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/features-russian-44708701 |url-status=live}} The search had to be suspended due to the weather, as rainfall increased the flow of water in the cave where the divers were battling strong currents and poor visibility. The search resumed on 2 July after the weather improved. The twelve boys and the coach were discovered at approximately 22:00 by Stanton and Volanthen, whose efforts were overseen from outside by BCRC diver Robert Harper.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/05/hero-diver-heads-back-britain-rescuers-race-drain-water-inside/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/05/hero-diver-heads-back-britain-rescuers-race-drain-water-inside/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Hero diver heads back to Britain as rescuers race to drain water inside Thai cave|last=Smith|first=Nicola|date=5 July 2018|work=The Telegraph|access-date=13 July 2018|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} The boys and coach were on a narrow rock shelf about {{convert|400|m}} beyond the "Pattaya Beach" chamber,{{cite news |last1=Mackintosh |first1=Eliza |title=Parents of trapped Thai boys haven't been told if their children were rescued |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/09/health/parents-thai-boys-rescued-intl/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=9 July 2018 |date=9 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709170055/https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/09/health/parents-thai-boys-rescued-intl/index.html |archive-date=9 July 2018 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/03/british-divers-at-heart-of-thai-cave-rescue-among-best-in-world|title=British divers at heart of Thai cave rescue among best in world|last=Roy|first=Eleanor Ainge|date=3 July 2018|website=The Guardian|access-date=3 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703052710/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/03/british-divers-at-heart-of-thai-cave-rescue-among-best-in-world|archive-date=3 July 2018}} named after an above-ground beach in Thailand. Volanthen had been placing guidelines in the cave to assist others in navigation when he ran out of line. He then swam to the surface and soon found the missing group, smelling them before hearing or seeing them.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-bristol-44819101/thailand-cave-rescue-children-found-by-smell|title=Thailand cave rescue: Children found 'by smell'|date=13 July 2018|website=BBC News|access-date=14 July 2018|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713173444/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-bristol-44819101/thailand-cave-rescue-children-found-by-smell|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/03/world/asia/thai-cave-rescue-soccer-team.html|title=Thailand Cave Rescue Turns to How to Extract Trapped Soccer Team|first1=Richard C.|last1=Paddock|first2=Muktita|last2=Suhartono|date=3 July 2018|website=The New York Times|access-date=4 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703190646/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/03/world/asia/thai-cave-rescue-soccer-team.html|archive-date=3 July 2018 |url-access=registration}} The ledge where they were found is about {{convert|4|km}} from the cave mouth. A video of the encounter, showing the boys and their interactions with the divers, was posted on Facebook by the Thai Navy SEALs.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ThaiSEAL/videos/1631228493667210/|title=Thai Navy SEAL|via=Facebook|access-date=2 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703040907/https://www.facebook.com/ThaiSEAL/videos/1631228493667210/|archive-date=3 July 2018}} Former Chiang Rai provincial governor {{Interlanguage link|Narongsak Osatanakorn|th|ณรงค์ศักดิ์ โอสถธนากร|WD=}}, who was in charge of rescue work, said, "We found them safe. But the operation isn't over."{{cite web|url=https://www.metro.news/coming-home-thai-boys-found-alive-in-caves-as-brits-help-out/1127159/|title=Coming home: Thai boys found alive in caves as Brits help out|work=Metro|access-date=10 July 2018|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711030816/https://www.metro.news/coming-home-thai-boys-found-alive-in-caves-as-brits-help-out/1127159/|url-status=live}} The Thai, US, Australian and Chinese diving teams supported by the BCRC divers began transporting diving bottles into the cave system and established an air supply storage area in Chamber 3.{{cite press release |type=Supplemental press release |title=Breakthrough in the cave search and rescue operation in Tham Luang Nang Non Cave, Thailand |url=https://www.caverescue.org.uk/luang-nang-non-cave-rescue-thailand3/ |access-date=19 July 2018 |website=British Cave Rescue Council |date=2 July 2018 |archive-date=12 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712205705/http://www.caverescue.org.uk/luang-nang-non-cave-rescue-thailand3/ |url-status=live }}

On 3 July, the trapped group was joined by three Thai Navy SEALs who supported them until the rescue. The SEALs included Thai Army doctor Lt. Col. Pak Loharachun of the 3rd Medical Battalion, who had completed the Navy SEALs course.{{cite news |title=Mission accomplished: All Tham Luang survivors safely rescued |url=http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/mission-accomplished-tham-luang-survivors-safely-rescued/ |access-date=19 July 2018 |work=Thai PBS |date=10 July 2018 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233244/http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/mission-accomplished-tham-luang-survivors-safely-rescued/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Cave hero praises Wild Boars, coach |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1504446/cave-hero-praises-wild-boars-coach |access-date=19 July 2018 |work=Bangkok Post |date=16 July 2018 |archive-date=10 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710162314/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1504446/cave-hero-praises-wild-boars-coach |url-status=live }} Thai officials told reporters that rescuers were providing health checks and treatment and keeping the boys entertained and that none of those trapped were in serious condition. "They have been fed with easy-to-digest, high-energy food with vitamins and minerals, under the supervision of a doctor", Rear Admiral Apagorn Youkonggaew, head of the Thai Navy's Special Forces, told reporters. A video made by the rescuers, and shared a few hours later by the Thai Navy SEALs, showed all twelve boys and their coach introducing themselves and stating their age. Wrapped in emergency blankets and appearing frail, they all said hello to the outside world. "Sawatdi khrap", each boy said with his palms together in wai, the traditional Thai greeting.{{cite web |title=Video shows stranded Thai boys smiling with rescuer in cave |url=http://abc7chicago.com/video-shows-stranded-thai-boys-smiling-with-rescuer-in-cave-/3706045/ |website=ABC 7 |access-date=8 July 2018 |date=4 July 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708034914/http://abc7chicago.com/video-shows-stranded-thai-boys-smiling-with-rescuer-in-cave-/3706045/ |archive-date=8 July 2018 }} A second video shows a medic treating them.{{cite news|url=https://time.com/5330076/thailand-cave-rescue-trapped-video/|title=Trapped Thai Soccer Team Sends a Message From the Cave|magazine=Time|access-date=4 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705003718/http://time.com/5330076/thailand-cave-rescue-trapped-video/|archive-date=5 July 2018}} It was believed that some of the group could not swim,{{cite web |title=Diver dies in Thailand cave rescue attempt |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44734385 |work=BBC World News|access-date=8 July 2018 |date=6 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707151859/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44734385 |archive-date=7 July 2018 }} complicating what would already be a difficult rescue. The Army doctor discovered that they had attempted to dig their way out of the cave. The team members had used rock fragments to dig every day, creating a hole five metres deep.

BCRC diver Jason Mallinson offered the boys and coach an opportunity to send messages to relatives by using his wet notes pad.{{cite AV media|author1=Mark Willacy (Reporter)|author2=Lucy Carter (Producer)|author3=Jeanavive McGregor (Producer)|author4=Sarah Ferguson (presenter)|date=16 July 2018|title=Out Of The Dark|url=http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/out-of-the-dark/10000580|medium=Television production|work=Four Corners|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=20 July 2018}} Many of the notes said they were safe, reassured family members that everything was fine, and included words of love, reassurance and encouragement.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44748924|title='Don't worry', Thai boys write from cave|date=7 July 2018|work=BBC World News|access-date=7 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707171340/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44748924|archive-date=7 July 2018}}

File:Thai cave.png

A logistics camp was established at the cave entrance, which accommodated hundreds of volunteers and journalists in addition to the rescue workers. The site was divided into several zones: restricted areas for the Thai Navy SEALs, other military personnel, and civilian rescuers; an area for the relatives to give them privacy; and areas for the press and the general public.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44736582|title=Thai cave boys unite community in hope|last=Cheung|first=Helier|date=6 July 2018|work=BBC World News|access-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706145318/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44736582|archive-date=6 July 2018}}

An estimated 10,000 people contributed to the rescue effort, including more than 100 divers, representatives from about 100 government agencies, 900 police officers, 2,000 soldiers and numerous volunteers. Equipment included ten police helicopters, seven police ambulances, and more than 700 diving cylinders, of which more than 500 were in the cave at any time while another 200 were in the queue to be refilled. More than a billion litres of water (the equivalent of 400 Olympic-size swimming pools) was removed.{{cite news |author1=Dvorak, Phred |author2=Watts, Jake Maxwell |title=The Thai Cave Rescue, Before Its Triumph, Teetered on the Brink of Disaster |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-thai-cave-rescue-before-its-triumph-teetered-on-the-brink-of-disaster-1531346977 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=19 July 2018 |date=11 July 2018 |archive-date=18 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718024204/https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-thai-cave-rescue-before-its-triumph-teetered-on-the-brink-of-disaster-1531346977 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Beech |first1=Hannah |last2=Paddock |first2=Richard C. |last3=Suhartono |first3=Muktita |title='Still Can't Believe It Worked': The Story of the Thailand Cave Rescue |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/12/world/asia/thailand-cave-rescue-seals.html |date=12 July 2018 |work=The New York Times |access-date=12 July 2018 |archive-date=13 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713015510/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/12/world/asia/thailand-cave-rescue-seals.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration}}

The place where the boys became stranded was about {{convert|4|km}} from the entrance and {{convert|800|–|1000|m}} below the top of the mountain. The route to their location was blocked by several flooded sections, some with strong currents and zero visibility,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/jul/02/thailand-cave-rescue-divers-search-for-missing-football-team-live|title=Medics reach boys trapped in Thai cave – as it happened|last1=Weaver |first1=Matthew |last2=Gabbatt |first2=Adam |last3=Busby |first3=Mattha |last4=Rawlinson |first4=Kevin |last5=Lyons |first5=Kate|date=3 July 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=3 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731035706/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/jul/02/thailand-cave-rescue-divers-search-for-missing-football-team-live|archive-date=31 July 2018|url-status=live}} and there were some extremely narrow parts, the smallest measuring only {{convert|38| x |72| cm}}.{{Cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/world/asia/how-first-four-of-12-trapped-thai-schoolboys-were-rescued-from-the-cave/news-story/4e28d1c5864029c9132ef1bb2eff9f8b|title=How first eight of 12 trapped Thai schoolboys were rescued from the cave|last=Reynolds|first=Emma|date=10 July 2018|website=News.com.au|access-date=11 July 2018|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711024852/https://www.news.com.au/world/asia/how-first-four-of-12-trapped-thai-schoolboys-were-rescued-from-the-cave/news-story/4e28d1c5864029c9132ef1bb2eff9f8b|url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=18 July 2018 |title=Thai cave rescue: How the boys were saved |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44695232 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924002758/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44695232 |archive-date=24 September 2023 |access-date=5 July 2018 |work=BBC World News}}{{Cite web |date=18 July 2018 |title=The Technology Behind the Thailand Cave Rescue |url=https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/blog/technology-behind-thailand-cave-rescue/ |access-date=1 October 2022 |website=Esri.com |last=Dixon |first=Brett |language=en |archive-date=1 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001102147/https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/blog/technology-behind-thailand-cave-rescue/ |url-status=live }} The journey through the cave to reach the boys took six hours against the current and five hours to exit with the current,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44747049|title=Thailand cave rescue: Boys 'can walk but can't dive yet'|date=6 July 2018|work=BBC World News|access-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706185748/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44747049|archive-date=6 July 2018}} even for experienced divers.

File:Water pumping near Tham Luang cave.jpg

The rescue workers battled rising water levels from the outset. In an effort to drain the cave, a stone diversion dam was built upstream, and systems were installed to pump water out of the cave and divert flows that were entering it. On 4 July, it was estimated that the pumps were removing {{convert|1,600,000|L/hour|gal/hour|abbr=on}} from the cave, ruining nearby farm fields in the process.{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/03/asia/thai-rescue-next-phase-intl/index.html|title=Thailand cave rescue: Search teams unsure how to free trapped boys|first1=Steve|last1=George|first2=Kocha |last2=Olarn|date=3 July 2018|work=CNN|access-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705061904/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/03/asia/thai-rescue-next-phase-intl/index.html|archive-date=5 July 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-cave-rescue-farmers-happy-even-though-fields-ruined-to-help-clear-exit-for-trapped|title=Thai cave rescue: Farmers happy even though fields ruined to help clear exit for trapped boys|agency=AFP |location=Mae Sai, Thailand|orig-date=5 July 2018 |date=12 July 2018|work=The Straits Times|access-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706022153/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-cave-rescue-farmers-happy-even-though-fields-ruined-to-help-clear-exit-for-trapped|archive-date=6 July 2018}} For a time, well-meaning volunteers were inadvertently pumping water back into the groundwater supply.{{cite news |title=Thailand cave rescue: Former Thai navy SEAL dies from lack of oxygen |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/07/05/thailand-cave-race-drain-water-caverns-before-new-rains-arrive/758692002/ |work=USA Today |last1=Bacon |first1=John |last2=Hjelmgaard |first2=Kim |date=5 July 2018 |access-date=5 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707054108/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/07/05/thailand-cave-race-drain-water-caverns-before-new-rains-arrive/758692002/ |archive-date=7 July 2018 }} Helped by a spell of unseasonably dry weather, these efforts reduced water levels by {{convert|1.5|cm|1}} per hour on 5 July, enabling the rescue teams to walk {{convert|1.5|km}} into the cave. However, heavy rains forecast for 8 July were expected to halt or reverse the process and could even flood the position where the boys and their coach were trapped.{{cite news |title=Thailand cave: Rescuers in race against weather as rains close in |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44720785 |date=5 July 2018 |work=BBC World News |access-date=5 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705110815/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44720785 |archive-date=5 July 2018 }}

On 6 July, the oxygen level in the cave was detected to have dropped, raising fears that the boys might develop hypoxia if they remained there for a prolonged time. By 8 July, the oxygen level was measured to be 15%; the level needed to maintain normal function for humans is between 19.5% and 23.5%.{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/06/health/thai-soccer-team-oxygen-bn/index.html|title=How a lack of oxygen is affecting the Thai soccer team|first=Susan|last=Scutti|work=CNN|date=8 July 2018|access-date=8 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708084509/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/06/health/thai-soccer-team-oxygen-bn/index.html|archive-date=8 July 2018}} Thai military engineers attempted to install an air supply line to the boys, but the effort was abandoned as impractical.

File:4547274 Thai rescue workers positioning a pipe for the pumping operation in the Tham Luang cave.jpg

As the crisis unfolded, rescuers planned several different methods to save the team and coach. The principal options were to:{{Cite news |url= https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-cave-boys-to-get-4-months-food-diving-training |title= Thai cave rescue: 12 boys and coach to get 4 months' food, diving training |orig-date= 3 July 2018 |date=12 July 2018 |work= The Straits Times |access-date= 3 July 2018 |archive-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030053349/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-cave-boys-to-get-4-months-food-diving-training |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbressan/2018/07/08/why-hydrogeology-plays-such-an-important-role-in-the-thailand-cave-rescue-operation/|title=Why Hydrogeology Plays Such An Important Role In The Thailand Cave Rescue Operations|last=Bressan|first=David|work=Forbes|access-date=11 July 2018|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708155755/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbressan/2018/07/08/why-hydrogeology-plays-such-an-important-role-in-the-thailand-cave-rescue-operation/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Viswanathan |first1=Radhika |last2=Barclay |first2=Eliza |title=The 4 risky options to rescue the Thai boys trapped in a cave, explained—The boys may have to swim out of the cave, accompanied by a "buddy" expert diver. |url=https://www.vox.com/2018/7/7/17541602/thai-cave-rescue-boys-options-diving |date=7 July 2018 |work=Vox |access-date=7 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707191151/https://www.vox.com/2018/7/7/17541602/thai-cave-rescue-boys-options-diving |archive-date=7 July 2018}}{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44692813 |title=Thailand cave: 'Zero risks' to be taken in rescue of boys |date= 3 July 2018 |work=BBC World News |access-date= 3 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704010804/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44692813 |archive-date= 4 July 2018}}

• Wait until the end of the monsoon season; with divers providing food and water.
• Teach the group basic diving skills.
• Find an alternative entrance to the cave which could allow for an easier escape; one shaft was discovered that went down 900 metres.
• Drill a rescue shaft; more than 100 shafts were bored into the limestone, but no suitable location was found.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/05/rescuers-draining-thai-cave-in-hope-football-team-can-walk-out-before-rains|title=Thai cave rescue: army drains site in bid to free boys before monsoon|last=Safi|first=Michael|date=5 July 2018|journal=The Guardian|access-date=5 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705145812/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/05/rescuers-draining-thai-cave-in-hope-football-team-can-walk-out-before-rains|archive-date=5 July 2018}}
• Build an air line.
• Build a telephone line to communicate.

Multiple dangers—the threat of more heavy rain, dropping oxygen levels, and the difficulty or impossibility of finding or drilling an escape passage—forced rescuers to make the decision to bring out the team and coach with experienced divers.{{cite news|title=Inside the Thailand Cave: The Obstacles That Rescuers Faced |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/07/06/world/asia/thai-cave-rescue.html |orig-date=6 July 2018 |date=10 July 2018 |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731115258/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/07/06/world/asia/thai-cave-rescue.html |archive-date=31 July 2018 }} The Thai Navy SEALs and US Air Force rescue experts met with the Thai Minister of the Interior who approved the plan. 90 divers worked in the cave system, 40 from Thailand and 50 from other countries. The media initially reported that the Thai military had said rescuers would teach the boys basic diving skills to enable them to make the journey.{{cite news |last1=Paddock |first1=Richard C. |last2=Suhartono |first2=Muktita |last3=Ives |first3=Mike |title=Thai Cave Rescue Will Be a Murky and Desperate Ordeal, Divers Say |url=https://nytimes.com/2018/07/06/world/asia/thai-cave-rescue-divers.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=8 July 2018 |date=6 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707043109/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/06/world/asia/thai-cave-rescue-divers.html |archive-date=7 July 2018 |url-access=registration}} However this was quietly deemed too risky and instead the boys were fully sedated and were unconscious for the journey.{{Cite journal |last=Irwin |first=Mark A. |date=June 2022 |title=The Thailand Cave Rescue: General Anaesthesia in Unique Circumstances Presents Ethical Challenges for the Rescue Team |journal=Journal of Bioethical Inquiry |language=en |volume=19 |issue=2 |pages=265–271 |doi=10.1007/s11673-022-10168-w |issn=1176-7529 |pmc=9233648 |pmid=35157229}}{{Cite journal |last1=van Waart |first1=Hanna |last2=Harris |first2=Richard J |last3=Gant |first3=Nicholas |last4=Vrijdag |first4=Xavier CE |last5=Challen |first5=Craig J |last6=Lawthaweesawat |first6=Chanrit |last7=Mitchell |first7=Simon J |date=30 June 2020 |title=Deep anaesthesia: The Thailand cave rescue and its implications for management of the unconscious diver underwater |journal=Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine |volume=50 |issue=2 |pages=121–129 |doi=10.28920/dhm50.2.121-129 |doi-access=free |pmc=7481118 |pmid=32557413}} Organisers built a mock-up of a tight passage with chairs, and divers practised with local boys in a school swimming pool. Thai SEALs and US Air Force experts then refined the plan to use teams of divers to bring out the weakened boys.{{cite news |author1=Mahtani, Shibani |author2=Hendrix, Steve |author3=McLaughlin, Timothy |title='Time is running out': Inside the treacherous rescue of boys trapped in a Thai cave |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/time-is-running-out-inside-the-treacherous-rescue-of-boys-trapped-in-thai-cave/2018/07/13/df335afe-8614-11e8-8f6c-46cb43e3f306_story.html?tid=ss_mail&noredirect=on |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=15 July 2018 |language=en |date=13 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-date=24 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224023933/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/time-is-running-out-inside-the-treacherous-rescue-of-boys-trapped-in-thai-cave/2018/07/13/df335afe-8614-11e8-8f6c-46cb43e3f306_story.html?tid=ss_mail&noredirect=on}}

File:Saman Kunan.jpg

On 5 July, at 8:37 pm, {{vanchor|Saman Kunan}} ({{Langx|th|สมาน กุนัน}}; born 23 December 1980), a 37-year-old{{cite news |title=มาย ฮีโร่ "จ่าแซม" จ.อ.สมาน กุนัน สุดยอดนักกีฬาผจญภัย |trans-title="Hero Sam", the adventurous athlete. |url=http://www.tnews.co.th/contents/469263 |access-date=22 July 2018 |website=Tnews.co.th |date=7 July 2018 |language=th |archive-date=23 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723034306/http://www.tnews.co.th/contents/469263 |url-status=live }} former Thai Navy SEAL, made a dive from Chamber 3 to the T-junction close to Pattaya Beach to deliver three air tanks.{{cite news |title=Retired SEAL member dies in Tham Luang rescue operation |url=http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/retired-seal-member-dies-tham-luang-rescue-operation/ |access-date=21 July 2018 |work=Thai PBS |date=6 July 2018 |archive-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721074904/http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/retired-seal-member-dies-tham-luang-rescue-operation/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last1=Cochrane |first1=Liam |last2=Vimonsuknopparat |first2=Supattra |title=Thai cave rescue: Former Navy SEAL working to rescue boys dies from lack of oxygen |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-06/rescue-worker-helping-thai-boys-in-cave-dies/9949622 |access-date=21 July 2018 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=7 July 2018 |archive-date=20 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720204450/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-06/rescue-worker-helping-thai-boys-in-cave-dies/9949622 |url-status=live }} During his return dive, he lost consciousness underwater. His dive buddy attempted CPR without success. Kunan was brought to Chamber 3 where CPR was attempted again, but he could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at about 1 am on 6 July.{{cite news |title='We won't let his life be in vain': Tributes pour in for Thai diver who died trying to save boys in cave |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thai-cave-boys-rescue-seal-diver-die-tributes-saman-10505902 |access-date=21 July 2018 |work=Channel NewsAsia |agency=Reuters/CNA |date=6 July 2018 |archive-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721103033/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thai-cave-boys-rescue-seal-diver-die-tributes-saman-10505902 |url-status=dead }}

Formerly a member of Thai Navy SEALs class 30, Kunan had left the SEALs in 2006 at the rank of petty officer 1st class; he was working in security at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport when he volunteered to assist with the cave rescue. He was posthumously promoted to lieutenant commander by the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, an unprecedented rise of seven ranks.{{cite news |title=Navy chief praises Thai Navy SEALs in special citation |url=http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/navy-chief-praises-thai-navy-seals-special-citation/ |access-date=25 July 2018 |work=Thai PBS |date=22 July 2018 |archive-date=25 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725153755/http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/navy-chief-praises-thai-navy-seals-special-citation/ |url-status=dead }} A funeral, sponsored and attended by the Thai royal family, was held on 14 July. On the same day, Kunan was awarded the Knight Grand Cross (first class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.{{cite news |title=Ex-Seal Saman posthumously promoted |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1503426/posthumous-promotion-for-ex-seal |access-date=21 July 2018 |work=Bangkok Post |date=14 July 2018 |archive-date=10 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710162758/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1503426/posthumous-promotion-for-ex-seal |url-status=live }}

Another rescue diver and Thai Navy SEAL, Beirut Pakbara, died the following year from septic shock after acquiring an unspecified latent blood infection during the rescue operation.{{cite web |title=Thai navy Seal dies of infection from cave rescue |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/dec/28/thai-navy-seal-dies-of-infection-from-cave-rescue |website=The Guardian |agency=Reuters |language=en |date=28 December 2019 |access-date=14 January 2021 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127184935/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/dec/28/thai-navy-seal-dies-of-infection-from-cave-rescue |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=สิ้นแล้ว "จ่าเอกเบรุต" วีรบุรุษถ้ำหลวง ผู้ช่วย 13 หมูป่าอาคาเดมี |trans-title=The death of Petty Officer 1st Class Beirut, the hero of Tham Luang Cave who helped rescue the 13 Wild Boars Academy boys |language=th |website=MGRonline.com |date=28 December 2019 |url=https://mgronline.com/south/detail/9620000123827 |access-date=3 April 2023 |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162818/https://mgronline.com/south/detail/9620000123827 |url-status=live }}

On the morning of 8 July, officials instructed the media and all non-essential personnel around the cave entrance to clear the area as a rescue operation was imminent, due to the threat of monsoon rains later in the week, which were expected to flood the cave until October.

For the first part of the extraction, 18 rescue divers—13 international cave divers and five Thai Navy SEALs—were sent into the caves to retrieve the boys, with one "lead diver" to accompany each boy on the dive out.{{cite press release|title=Key phase of the rescue operation to bring the boys out of Tham Luang Nang Non Cave begins |url=https://www.caverescue.org.uk/key-phase-of-the-rescue-operation-to-bring-the-boys-out-of-tham-luang-nang-non-cave-begins/ |website=British Cave Rescue Council |access-date=4 August 2018 |date=8 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308071919/https://www.caverescue.org.uk/key-phase-of-the-rescue-operation-to-bring-the-boys-out-of-tham-luang-nang-non-cave-begins/}}{{cite web|date=8 July 2018|title=Thailand rescue: Divers start mission to free boys trapped in cave|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/07/asia/thai-cave-rescue-intl/index.html|last=George|first=Steve|access-date=13 July 2018|work=CNN|archive-date=10 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710164137/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/07/asia/thai-cave-rescue-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Zimmerman |first=Josh |title=Thai cave rescue: Perth hero diver Craig Challen speaks on life and death mission |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/thai-cave-rescue-perth-hero-diver-craig-challen-speaks-on-life-and-death-mission-ng-b88895946z |access-date=6 August 2018 |work=The Sunday Times |location=Perth, W. Australia |date=14 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714175119/https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/thai-cave-rescue-perth-hero-diver-craig-challen-speaks-on-life-and-death-mission-ng-b88895946z |archive-date=14 July 2018 |url-status=live}} The international cave diving team was led by four British divers: John Volanthen, Richard Stanton, Jason Mallinson, and Chris Jewell (each assigned a boy), and two Australians: Richard Harris, an anaesthetist, and his friend Craig Challen, a veterinarian.{{cite press release|url=https://www.caverescue.org.uk/a-tense-but-joyful-outcome-for-the-cave-rescue-at-tham-luang-nang-non-cave/ |title=A tense but joyful outcome for the cave rescue at Tham Luang Nang Non Cave |website=British Cave Rescue Council |language=en-GB |date=10 July 2018 |access-date=13 July 2018 |archive-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815074223/http://www.caverescue.org.uk/a-tense-but-joyful-outcome-for-the-cave-rescue-at-tham-luang-nang-non-cave/ |url-status=live}} Irishman Jim Warny became an additional lead diver on the final day of the rescue to bring back assistant coach Ekkaphon, and physician Harris took over the lead rescue of Pong.{{rp|268–270}} The lead divers' portion of the journey would stretch over one kilometre, going through submerged routes while being supported by 90 Thai and foreign divers at various points performing medical check-ups, resupply of air tanks, and other emergency roles.{{Cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/preparations-underway-to-resume-thai-cave-rescue-9-footballers-remain-trapped|title=Thai cave rescue: Four more boys rescued, health of five remaining in cave 'still good'|last=Thongnoi |first=Jitsiree |orig-date=9 July 2018|date=12 July 2018|work=The Straits Times|access-date=16 July 2018|language=en|archive-date=16 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716054345/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/preparations-underway-to-resume-thai-cave-rescue-9-footballers-remain-trapped|url-status=live}}

There were conflicting reports that the boys were rescued with the weakest first or strongest first. In fact, the order was which boy volunteered first. "I talked with Dr. Harris. Everyone was strong and no one was sick," Ekkaphon told the press. "Everybody had a strong mental state. Dr. Harris said{{nbsp}}... there's no preference." The team decided as a group that the boys who lived the farthest away should leave first. Ekkaphon also stated in their 18 July press conference, not realising at the time that their story had attracted global media attention: "We were thinking, when we get out of the cave, we would have to ride the bicycle home{{nbsp}}... so the persons who live the furthest away would be allowed to go out first{{nbsp}}... so that they can go out and tell everyone that we were inside, we were okay."{{cite web |title=Thai cave rescue: Boys who lived furthest away were chosen to leave the cave first so they could ride their bikes and tell everyone to prepare food |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/thai-cave-rescue-boys-that-lived-furthest-away-left-caves-first-2018-7 |last=Perper |first=Rosie |website=Business Insider |date=19 July 2018 |access-date=25 May 2019 |archive-date=25 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525040121/https://www.businessinsider.com/thai-cave-rescue-boys-that-lived-furthest-away-left-caves-first-2018-7 |url-status=live }}

Each boy was dressed in a wetsuit, with a buoyancy aid, harness, and a positive pressure full-face mask. Harris administered the anaesthetic ketamine to the boys before the journey, rendering them "fully unconscious."{{cite journal | doi=10.1007/s11673-022-10168-w | title=The Thailand Cave Rescue: General Anaesthesia in Unique Circumstances Presents Ethical Challenges for the Rescue Team | journal=Journal of Bioethical Inquiry | date=June 2022 | volume=19 | issue=2 | page=266 | last=Irwin | first=Mark A. | pmid=35157229 | pmc=9233648 | s2cid=246802421 | quote= It is reported in many accounts of the rescue that the boys were sedated; this was not the case and the distinction is important. Sedation implies some remaining and variable level of consciousness with attendant risks of disorientation, panic, flailing limbs, and mask dislodgement—all of which could quickly have had fatal consequences for the boys and possibly also the rescue divers. The rescue would require the boys to be fully unconscious with a general anaesthetic which is a significant medical intervention. | doi-access=free }} This was to prevent them from panicking on the journey, which would risk their lives and those of their rescuers.{{cite book

| last1 = Harris

| first1 = Richard

| last2 = Challen

| first2 = Craig

| date = 2019

| title = Against all odds: The inside account of the Thai cave rescue and the courageous Australians at the heart of it

| url = https://www.penguin.com.au/books/against-all-odds-9781760899455

| publisher = Penguin Books

| isbn = 978-1-76089-945-5

}}{{rp|99}} They were also given the anti-anxiety drug alprazolam, and the drug atropine to steady their heart rates and reduce saliva production to prevent choking.{{rp|129}}{{cite web

|url=https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20190403/thai-soccer-teams-cave-rescue-aided-by-ketamine

|title=Thai Soccer Team's Cave Rescue Aided by Ketamine

|last=Goodman

|first=Brenda

|date=3 April 2019

|website=WebMD

|access-date=22 June 2020

|archive-date=23 June 2020

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623184756/https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20190403/thai-soccer-teams-cave-rescue-aided-by-ketamine

|url-status=dead

}}{{Cite news|title=Thailand cave rescue: Diving expert explains the dangers of trying to lead the children to safety |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/thailand-diving-dangers-thailand-cave-rescue-a8430006.html |access-date=6 July 2018 |last=Agerholm |first=Harriet |date=4 July 2018 |work=The Independent|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704083058/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/thailand-diving-dangers-thailand-cave-rescue-a8430006.html|archive-date=4 July 2018}} A cylinder with 80% oxygen was clipped to their front, a handle was attached to their back, and they were each tethered to a diver in case they were lost in the poor visibility. The rescue divers described each child as "a package".{{cite AV media |date=14 July 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvHNnocQ13s |title=John Volanthen interviewed on BBC Points West – 13th July 2018 |publisher=Andy Shepherd |via=YouTube |access-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306221455/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvHNnocQ13s |archive-date=6 March 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite AV media |date=16 July 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tF75eTBsC4 |title=US rescuer in Thai cave says boys and coach 'incredibly resilient' |publisher=AP Archive |via=YouTube |access-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306221456/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tF75eTBsC4 |archive-date=6 March 2023 |url-status=live}} The Thai government granted Harris and two medical assistants diplomatic immunity against judicial action,{{rp|136–138}} in case something went wrong.{{cite AV media |date=17 July 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnXwvyZhm24 |title=Rick Stanton gives incredible account of Thai cave rescue {{!}} ITV News |publisher=ITV News |via=YouTube |access-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306221455/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnXwvyZhm24 |archive-date=6 March 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Thepgumpanat |first=Panarat |title=Thailand gave diplomatic immunity to Australian medical team in cave rescue |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-australia/thailand-gave-diplomatic-immunity-to-australian-medical-team-in-cave-rescue-idUSKBN1K60FC |access-date=19 July 2018 |work=Reuters |date=16 July 2018 |archive-date=18 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718075747/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-australia/thailand-gave-diplomatic-immunity-to-australian-medical-team-in-cave-rescue-idUSKBN1K60FC |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Willacy |first1=Mark |last2=Carter |first2=Lucy |title=Thai cave rescue: Australian diver Craig Challen confirms boys and coach heavily sedated for rescue mission |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-15/thai-cave-rescue-australian-diver-craig-challen-boys-sedation/9995830 |access-date=19 July 2018 |work=Four Corners |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=15 July 2018 |archive-date=18 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718164829/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-15/thai-cave-rescue-australian-diver-craig-challen-boys-sedation/9995830 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44797035|title=Thailand cave rescue: First footage emerges of boys in hospital |date=11 July 2018 |work=BBC World News |access-date=11 July 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712115219/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44797035|url-status=live}}

The anaesthetic lasted between 45 minutes and one hour, requiring divers, whom Harris had trained, to administer "top-up" ketamine injections during the three-hour journey.{{cite news |last=Eacott |first=Alina |title=Thai cave doctor trained divers how to administer dangerous sedative to kids |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-26/doctor-harry-harris-trained-thai-rescuers-to-administer-sedative/10039674 |date=26 July 2018 |access-date=4 August 2018 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-date=2 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802022250/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-26/doctor-harry-harris-trained-thai-rescuers-to-administer-sedative/10039674 |url-status=live }} Each boy was maneuvered out by a swimming lead diver who held on by the back or chest—or towards his right or left side—depending on the guideline position; in narrow spots the diver could push the boy from behind. The boy was carefully navigated through tight passages to avoid dislodging his face mask against rocks. The diver kept his head higher than the boy's, so that in poor visibility it would be his own head that hit any obstacles first. The diver ensured that the boy remained breathing by checking for exhaust bubbles, which he could see and feel.

After completing the restricted first dive and arriving at a dry section, the lead diver transferred the boy to three support rescue divers. The boy's dive gear was removed and the boy was transported on a drag stretcher over {{cvt|200|m}} of rocks and sand hills. Craig Challen performed a medical assessment, and the boy's dive gear was put back on before being re-submerged for the next section. The boys arrived at 45-minute intervals.{{cite news |last=Zimmerman |first=Josh |title=Aussie diver Craig Challen reveals his fears for boys in Thai cave rescue: 'It was life and death' |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/special-features/in-depth/aussie-diver-craig-challen-reveals-his-fears-for-boys-in-thai-cave-rescue-it-was-life-and-death/news-story/240c1d32a50a8bb16fc7ac1681f22736 |access-date=6 August 2018 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=15 July 2018}}

After being delivered by the divers into the staging base in Chamber 3, the boys were passed along a "daisy chain" by hundreds of rescuers stationed along the treacherous path out of the cave. Wrapped in "sked" rescue stretchers, the boys were alternately carried, slid and zip-lined along a complex arrangement of pulleys installed by rock climbers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.vox.com/2018/7/12/17564360/thai-cave-rescue-boys-mission-diver-ben-reymenants|title="This is madness": A rescue diver on what it was like to save the Thai boys in the cave|work=Vox|last=Viswanathan |first=Radhika |date=12 July 2018 |access-date=16 July 2018|archive-date=16 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716054313/https://www.vox.com/2018/7/12/17564360/thai-cave-rescue-boys-mission-diver-ben-reymenants|url-status=live}} Many areas from Chamber 3 to the entrance of the cave were still partially submerged and rescuers described having to transport the boys over slippery rocks and through muddy water for hours.{{Cite news|url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/if-those-were-my-boys-what-would-i-do-sporean-rescue-divers-first-thoughts-thai-cave|title='If those were my boys, what would I do?', S'porean rescue diver's first thoughts at Thai cave|work=TODAYonline|last=Choo|first=Cynthia|date=13 July 2018|access-date=16 July 2018|archive-date=16 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716054022/https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/if-those-were-my-boys-what-would-i-do-sporean-rescue-divers-first-thoughts-thai-cave|url-status=live}} The journey from Chamber 3 to the cave entrance had initially taken about four to five hours, but this was reduced to less than an hour after a week of draining and clearing the mud path using shovels.

The authorities warned that the extraction would take several days to complete because crews had to replace air tanks, gear, and other supplies, requiring ten to twenty hours between each run.{{cite news|last1=Lyons |first1=Kate|last2=Busby|first2=Mattha|date=8 July 2018 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/jul/08/thailand-cave-rescue-operation-divers-trapped-boys-live|title=Thailand cave rescue: navy Seals confirm four boys have been rescued – live |work=The Guardian|access-date=8 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708112347/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/jul/08/thailand-cave-rescue-operation-divers-trapped-boys-live|archive-date=8 July 2018}} Shortly after 19:00, local officials confirmed that two of the boys had been rescued and taken to Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/44755093?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5b41fd29f0f2e1066d52517c&'Two%20kids%20are%20out'%20-%20Thai%20official&&ns_fee=0#post_5b41fd29f0f2e1066d52517c|title=First boys 'rescued from Thailand cave'|work=BBC News|access-date=8 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708131433/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/44755093?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5b41fd29f0f2e1066d52517c&'Two%20kids%20are%20out'%20-%20Thai%20official&&ns_fee=0#post_5b41fd29f0f2e1066d52517c|archive-date=8 July 2018}}{{cite news |last=Doubek |first=James |title=Report: 2 Of 12 Boys Rescued From Cave In Thailand |url=https://www.npr.org/2018/07/08/626986096/operations-begin-to-rescue-thai-boys-from-cave |date=8 July 2018 |work=NPR News |access-date=8 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708062204/https://www.npr.org/2018/07/08/626986096/operations-begin-to-rescue-thai-boys-from-cave |archive-date=8 July 2018 }} Shortly afterwards, two more boys exited the cave and were assessed by medical officials.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/jul/08/thailand-cave-rescue-operation-divers-trapped-boys-live|title=Thailand cave rescue: first two boys brought out, local official tells Reuters – live|last1=Busby|first1=Mattha |date=8 July 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=8 July 2018 |last2=Lyons|first2=Kate |issn=0261-3077|last3=Safi|first3=Michael|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708112347/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/jul/08/thailand-cave-rescue-operation-divers-trapped-boys-live|archive-date=8 July 2018}} Low water levels had reduced the time required for the rescues.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/44755093?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5b42065fc8d4550682f91d5e&Weakest%20boys%20'brought%20out%20first'&&ns_fee=0#post_5b42065fc8d4550682f91d5e |title=First boys 'rescued from Thailand cave'|work=BBC News|access-date=8 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708131433/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/44755093?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5b42065fc8d4550682f91d5e&Weakest%20boys%20'brought%20out%20first'&&ns_fee=0#post_5b42065fc8d4550682f91d5e|archive-date=8 July 2018}} The lower water was due to improved weather and the construction of a weir outside the cave to help control the water.

On 9 July, four more boys were rescued from the cave.{{cite press release |title=Further progress on the rescue operation to bring the boys out of Tham Luang Nang Non Cave |url=https://www.caverescue.org.uk/further-progress-on-the-rescue-operation-to-bring-the-boys-out-of-tham-luang-nang-non-cave/ |website=British Cave Rescue Council |date=9 July 2018 |access-date=13 July 2018 |archive-date=12 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712185307/https://www.caverescue.org.uk/further-progress-on-the-rescue-operation-to-bring-the-boys-out-of-tham-luang-nang-non-cave/ |url-status=live}} On 10 July, the last four boys and their coach were rescued from the cave.{{cite news |last=Paddock |first=Richard C. |title=How Rescuers in a Thai Cave Pulled Off the Impossible |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/10/world/asia/thailand-cave-rescue-how.html |date=10 July 2018 |work=The New York Times |access-date=10 July 2018 |archive-date=31 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731121045/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/10/world/asia/thailand-cave-rescue-how.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration}} The rescue procedure was streamlined with practice, so the total time to extract a boy was reduced from three hours on the first day to just over two hours on the final day, allowing four boys and the coach to be rescued. The three Thai Navy SEALs and the Army doctor who had stayed with the boys the entire time were the last to dive out. Three of these divers made it to Chamber 3, joining waiting rescuers when the pumps shut off for an uncertain reason, possibly due to a burst water pipe.{{cite news |title=Final group was pulled from Thai cave just before water pump malfunction |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/thailand-cave-rescue-final-group-rescued-just-before-water-pump-malfunction/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab6j&linkId=54126759&linkId=54129967 |access-date=6 August 2018 |work=CBS News |date=11 July 2018 |archive-date=6 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806145600/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/thailand-cave-rescue-final-group-rescued-just-before-water-pump-malfunction/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab6j&linkId=54126759&linkId=54129967 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|last=Safi|first=Michael|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jul/14/we-dont-know-how-it-worked-the-inside-story-of-the-thai-cave-rescue|title='We don't know how it worked': the inside story of the Thai cave rescue|date=14 July 2018|work=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=17 July 2018|archive-date=18 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718153601/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jul/14/we-dont-know-how-it-worked-the-inside-story-of-the-thai-cave-rescue|url-status=live}} The water levels in Chamber 3 started to rise, which would have cut off their access to the first two chambers and the cave entrance. "All of a sudden a water pipe burst and the main pump stopped working," a diver stated. "We really had to run from the third chamber to the entrance because the water level was rising very quickly—like 50 cm every 10 minutes." This forced up to 100 rescuers still located more than {{convert|1.5|km}} inside the cave to evacuate in a hurry, abandoning the rescue equipment inside the cave. The last diver made it back to Chamber 3 as everyone was preparing to leave. The rescuers managed to rush to the cave exit in under an hour.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jul/11/thailand-cave-rescue-water-pumps-failed-just-after-last-boy-escaped|title=Thai cave rescue: water pumps failed just after last boy escaped|first=Michael|last=Safi|date=11 July 2018|website=The Guardian|access-date=12 July 2018|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711093725/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jul/11/thailand-cave-rescue-water-pumps-failed-just-after-last-boy-escaped|url-status=live}}

A number of news outlets reported on the role of assistant coach Ekkaphon during the rescue. Previously a Buddhist monk, he had calmed the boys by guiding them in meditation during the ordeal. He also passed on a message in which he apologised for putting the children in danger.{{cite news |date=9 July 2018 |title=How coach Chanthawong helped trapped Thai boys survive inside the cave |work=The Times of India |agency=Associated Press |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/how-coach-chanthawong-helped-trapped-thai-boys-survive-inside-the-cave/articleshow/64920599.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709215226/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/how-coach-chanthawong-helped-trapped-thai-boys-survive-inside-the-cave/articleshow/64920599.cms |archive-date=9 July 2018}}

Thai authorities reported that the rescued boys were able to eat rice porridge, but more complex foods would be withheld for ten days.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44772783 |title=Cave rescue: Final push under way in Thailand |date=10 July 2018|work=BBC World News |access-date=9 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715013835/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44772783 |archive-date=15 July 2018}} The Thai Health Ministry said the boys had lost an average of {{convert|2|kg}} each, but they were in "good condition".{{cite news |title=Tears as Thai boys see parents for the first time since cave rescue |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/11/asia/thai-cave-rescue-aftermath-intl/index.html |work=CNN |last1=McKirdy |first1=Euan |last2=Griffiths |first2=James |last3=George |first3=Steve |access-date=11 July 2018 |date=11 July 2018 |archive-date=18 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918180244/https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/11/asia/thai-cave-rescue-aftermath-intl/index.html |url-status=live }} They were placed in quarantine while health workers determined whether they had caught any infectious diseases, and they were expected to remain hospitalised for at least one week.{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/09/asia/thai-cave-rescue-mission-intl/index.html |title=Thai cave rescue: All 12 boys and soccer coach freed |first1=Euan |last1=McKirdy |last2=Olarn |first2=Kocha |last3=George |first3=Steve |date=10 July 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018 |work=CNN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714211708/https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/09/asia/thai-cave-rescue-mission-intl/index.html |archive-date=14 July 2018}} Because of the prolonged stay in a damp cave environment, officials were worried about potential infections such as histoplasmosis or leptospirosis.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-medics/mammoth-medical-operation-awaits-trapped-thai-cave-boys-idUSKBN1JX0R6 |title=Mammoth medical operation awaits trapped Thai cave boys |last1=Tanakasempipat |first1=Patpicha |last2=Wongcha-Um |first2=Panu |work=Reuters |date=7 July 2018 |access-date=11 July 2018 |archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711061029/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-medics/mammoth-medical-operation-awaits-trapped-thai-cave-boys-idUSKBN1JX0R6|url-status=live}} Parents of the team members initially visited their children by looking through a window, but as soon as laboratory results proved negative, they were allowed to visit in person while wearing a medical gown, face mask and hair cap.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jul/10/thailand-cave-rescue-team-begin-operation-to-free-last-of-trapped-boys |title=Thailand cave rescue sparks celebration of 'mission impossible' |last1=Safi |first1=Michael |last2=Goldberg |first2=Jacob |last3=Thoopkrajae |first3=Veena |date=10 July 2018 |website=The Guardian |access-date=10 July 2018 |archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715201648/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jul/10/thailand-cave-rescue-team-begin-operation-to-free-last-of-trapped-boys |url-status=live}}

The boys wore sunglasses as a precaution while their eyes adjusted to the daylight. Detailed tests of their eyes, nutrition, mental health and blood were carried out. A Health Ministry physician said all the boys showed an increase in white blood cells, so preventive antibiotic doses were given to the entire team.

File:Royal Letter of king rama x to Tham Luang cave rescue (English version).jpg gives thanks to the people who participated in the rescue.]]

Residents of Chiang Rai province volunteered to cook, clean for, and otherwise support the missing team's families and the rescue teams at the encampment by the cave mouth. Social media was used to draw attention to the rescue attempts. Classmates and teachers of the team spent time chanting and praying for the missing boys. Classmates of one of the boys made 1,000 paper cranes for him, while praying for his safe return.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-asia-44818356/thai-cave-rescue-classmates-paper-cranes-of-hope-for-adul|title=Paper cranes of hope for Thai cave rescue|work=BBC News|language=en |access-date=16 July 2018|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715233227/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-asia-44818356/thai-cave-rescue-classmates-paper-cranes-of-hope-for-adul|url-status=live}} Local schools donated money to help the parents with living costs, as many of them stopped working in order to follow the rescue attempts.

On 29 June, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha visited the search site and told the families of the boys not to give up hope.{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/thailand-cave-rescue-news-live-updates-form-tham-luang-as-us-and-british-join-search-for-12-missing-a3874151.html|title=Families cling to hope as Thai cave rescue enters day seven|work=London Evening Standard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629164840/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/thailand-cave-rescue-news-live-updates-form-tham-luang-as-us-and-british-join-search-for-12-missing-a3874151.html |archive-date=29 June 2018|url-status=live}} Following the death of Saman Kunan, King Vajiralongkorn announced that he would sponsor his funeral.{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/former-navy-diver-dies-in-thai-cave-while-working-to-re-1827388430|title=Former Navy Diver Dies in Thai Cave While Working to Rescue Trapped Boys |last=Dvorsky |first=George|website=Gizmodo|date=6 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709065038/https://gizmodo.com/former-navy-diver-dies-in-thai-cave-while-working-to-re-1827388430|archive-date=9 July 2018|url-status=live|access-date=10 July 2018}}

After the rescue was completed, the boys' families, the rescue commander, military officials, and thousands of volunteers gathered at the cave entrance. The group gave thanks for the lives saved and asked forgiveness from the cave goddess "Jao Mae Tham" for the intrusion of pumps, ropes and people during the rescue.{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-16/ceremony-to-appease-the-cave-goddess-disturbed-by-thai-rescue/9999324|title=Thais hold ceremony to appease cave goddess disturbed by soccer team's rescue|date=16 July 2018|work=ABC News|access-date=16 July 2018|language=en-AU|archive-date=16 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716083228/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-16/ceremony-to-appease-the-cave-goddess-disturbed-by-thai-rescue/9999324|url-status=live}}

Some observers, primarily in Western media, questioned whether assistant coach Ekkaphon Kanthawong should face criminal charges for leading the group into the caves, despite the warning sign at the entrance stating that it is dangerous to enter between July and November.{{Cite news |title=Chided in the West, cave-rescued coach is seen as saintly in Thailand|work=Public Radio International |url=https://www.pri.org/stories/2018-07-16/chided-west-cave-rescued-coach-seen-saintly-thailand|access-date=19 July 2018|url-status=live |archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719084429/https://www.pri.org/stories/2018-07-16/chided-west-cave-rescued-coach-seen-saintly-thailand}} The boys had entered the cave on 23 June.

Local communities, as well as the boys' parents, emphasised that they did not blame the boys or their coach, as the rain had arrived a month earlier than usual.{{Cite news|work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/13/uk/thai-cave-rescue-british-divers-intl/index.html |title=British diver on Thai cave rescue: 'Are we heroes? No'|author1=Rebecca Wright|author2=Hilary Clarke|access-date=15 July 2018|archive-date=15 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715061044/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/13/uk/thai-cave-rescue-british-divers-intl/index.html |url-status=live}} Vern Unsworth, a British caver mapping the cave, stated, "Nobody's to blame, not the coach, not the boys. They were just very unlucky{{nbsp}}... It wasn't just the rain that day, the mountain is like a sponge and waters from earlier rain were raising the levels." Unsworth said that he himself had been planning to make a solo venture into the complex on 24 June, when he received a telephone call saying the boys were missing there.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/if-the-brits-hadn-t-been-called-in-it-would-have-been-too-late-qhdpbw8bm|last2=Sai|first2=Mae|last1=Sherwell|first1=Philip |title=Exclusive interview with Thai cave rescue hero Vernon Unsworth: 'If the Brits hadn't been called in, it would have been too late' |date=15 July 2018|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=15 July 2018 |issn=0956-1382|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715040921/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/if-the-brits-hadn-t-been-called-in-it-would-have-been-too-late-qhdpbw8bm|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}

While the police chief told newspaper Khao Sod that he "hadn't ruled out" pressing negligence charges against the coach for putting the team in danger, no calls were made to take legal action against him. A number of lawyers stated that the coach would probably not face criminal charges, since Thai law also takes into consideration whether a person has malicious intent. In mainstream media, Ekkaphon has widely been held "a hero" and was a "calm voice [that] helped boys to beat despair in the darkness."{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/he-s-the-one-i-trust-coach-praised-as-real-hero-in-thai-cave-saga-20180709-p4zqgc.html |title='He's the one I trust': Coach praised as 'real hero' in Thai cave saga|last=Massola|first=James|date=9 July 2018|website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en|access-date=15 July 2018|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715093943/https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/he-s-the-one-i-trust-coach-praised-as-real-hero-in-thai-cave-saga-20180709-p4zqgc.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/coach-ekkapol-the-unlikely-stateless-hero-of-thai-cave-drama|title=Coach Ekkapol, the unlikely stateless hero of Thai cave drama|orig-date=11 July 2018|date=12 July 2018|work=The Straits Times |access-date=15 July 2018 |language=en|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715094335/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/coach-ekkapol-the-unlikely-stateless-hero-of-thai-cave-drama|url-status=live}} The coach was reported to have treated the boys with care, giving them his food, helping them remain calm, and instructing them to drink the relatively clean water dripping from the cave walls instead of the murky floodwaters that trapped them.{{fact|date=July 2023}}

When asked if Ekkaphon should be held legally responsible for negligence, Mongkhon Bunpiam, the father of 12-year-old Mongkhon, rejected the suggestion: "We would never do that{{nbsp}}... the boys love their coach{{nbsp}}... and we as parents don't want it either. Coach Eak has been good to my boy, and now I hear how he gave them hope, and kept them calm for so many days without food. I have great admiration for him." Tanawut Vibulrungruang, father of 11-year old Chanin, was reported to be "touched by the actions of the team's coach. Without him{{nbsp}}... he doesn't know how the kids could have survived."{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/thailand-cave-rescue-father-of-youngest-survivor-describes-how-team-became-trapped/|title=Father of youngest Thai cave survivor describes how boys became trapped, coach's response|access-date=15 July 2018|language=en|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715014212/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/thailand-cave-rescue-father-of-youngest-survivor-describes-how-team-became-trapped/|url-status=live}} Head coach Nopparat said he would not have approved of the hike, but was confident in Ekkaphon's ability to take care of the boys. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that the emphasis should be on the rescue and the recovery of the team, and he asked the public to avoid a rush to judgement.{{Cite news |first=Rachel |last=Premack |title=Meet the 25-year-old coach of the Thai soccer team who was trapped in a cave for 17 days – here's what could happen to him now that they've all been rescued |date=10 July 2018 |url=https://www.businessinsider.nl/thai-cave-rescue-soccer-team-coach-sued-2018-7/?international=true&r=US |work=Business Insider |access-date=11 July 2018 |archive-date=11 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711172215/https://www.businessinsider.nl/thai-cave-rescue-soccer-team-coach-sued-2018-7/?international=true&r=US |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |first=John |last=Bacon |title='Hero or zero?': Thailand abuzz over coach who led boys into cave – then kept them alive |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/07/05/thailand-cave-rescue-coach/759510002/ |date=5 July 2018 |work=USA Today |access-date=11 July 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041040/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/07/05/thailand-cave-rescue-coach/759510002/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |first1=Panarat |last1=Thepgumpanat |first2=Aukkarapon |last2=Niyomyat |title=Thailand's trapped boys: careless or courageous? |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-socialmedia/thailands-trapped-boys-careless-or-courageous-idUSKBN1JW16S |date=6 July 2018 |work=Reuters |access-date=11 July 2018 |archive-date=6 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706131856/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-socialmedia/thailands-trapped-boys-careless-or-courageous-idUSKBN1JW16S |url-status=live}}

Over the course of two weeks, hundreds of volunteers, military specialists and corporate experts arrived from around the world to offer assistance in the rescue.

• {{Flag|Australia}}: Six Australian Federal Police (AFP) Specialist Response Group divers, one Navy Clearance diver, one Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) member and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Crisis Response Team officers. Up to 20 Australians were involved at the cave site.{{cite press release |title=Thailand cave rescue |url=http://dfat.gov.au/crisis-hub/Pages/thailand-cave-rescue.aspx |website=dfat.gov.au |publisher=Australian Government: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |access-date=19 July 2018 |date=12 July 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233452/http://dfat.gov.au/crisis-hub/Pages/thailand-cave-rescue.aspx}}{{cite press release |last=Payne |first=Marise |author-link=Marise Payne |title=Thailand cave rescue operation |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2018-07-11/thailand-cave-rescue-operation |access-date=19 July 2018 |work=Department of Defence |date=11 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409013011/https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2018-07-11/thailand-cave-rescue-operation}} Doctor Richard Harris, an anaesthetist, was part of the medical team that determined the boys' fitness to make the {{convert|4|km|adj=on}} journey. Harris and his diving partner, retired veterinarian Doctor Craig Challen, both cave diving specialists, played key roles in the rescue. The Thai government provided Harris with diplomatic immunity to protect him in case anything went wrong with the sedation.
• {{Flag|Belgium}}: Ben Reymenants, the owner of a diving school in Phuket, contributed in cave diving capacity.{{Cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-cave-rescue-british-divers-first-to-find-boys-among-massive-international-team|title=Thai cave rescue: International team deployed to aid massive search and rescue effort|orig-date=3 July 2018|date=12 July 2018|work=The Straits Times|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713044035/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-cave-rescue-british-divers-first-to-find-boys-among-massive-international-team|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Canada}}: Erik Brown, a dive instructor from Vancouver, participated on the cave diving team.{{cite news |title=Cave rescue: The divers who got the Thai boys out |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44761821 |date=10 July 2018 |work=BBC World News |access-date=13 July 2018 |archive-date=15 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115154813/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44761821 |url-status=live }}
• {{Flag|China}}: A six-man team from the volunteer rescue organisation, the Beijing Peaceland Foundation, arrived on 29 June. The team brought rescue equipment including an underwater robot, diving equipment and a three-dimensional imager. A second Chinese team arrived on 30 June from the Green Boat Emergency Rescue organisation with expertise in search and rescue on mountains and in caves.{{cite news |title=Thailand Cave Rescue Efforts Pick up Pace as Flooding Eases |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-cave-rescue-efforts-pick-up-pace-as-flooding-eases/4461538.html |access-date=5 August 2018 |work=VOA |agency=Associated Press |date=30 June 2018 |archive-date=5 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805112811/https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-cave-rescue-efforts-pick-up-pace-as-flooding-eases/4461538.html |url-status=live }}
• {{Flag|Czech Republic}}: The government of the Czech Republic offered to provide a Czech manufacturer's high-performance pumps; the state has four such pumps, each with an output of 400 litres per second (1,440,000 L/h (380,000 US gal/h)).{{cite web|url=http://www.visegradgroup.eu/news/babis-offers-help-in|title=Babis offers help in rescuing Thai boys from flooded cave | publisher = Kft. Webra International |date=4 July 2018|website= Visegrád Group | place = EU |access-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707023028/http://www.visegradgroup.eu/news/babis-offers-help-in |archive-date=7 July 2018}} Upon inspection at the site, however, it was determined that heavy-duty pumps could not be used because of the unsuitable terrain.{{cite web|url=https://www.novinky.cz/domaci/478275-bahno-35-stupnu-ostre-jeskyne-cesti-hasici-popsali-zachranu-thajskych-chlapcu.html |title=Bahno, 35 stupňů, ostré jeskyně. Čeští hasiči popsali záchranu thajských chlapců |language=cs |trans-title=Mud, 35 degrees, sharp caves. Czech firefighters described the rescue of Thai boys |website=Novinky.cz |date=19 July 2018 |access-date=28 October 2018 |archive-date=20 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720111247/https://www.novinky.cz/domaci/478275-bahno-35-stupnu-ostre-jeskyne-cesti-hasici-popsali-zachranu-thajskych-chlapcu.html|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Denmark}}: Two Danish divers participated in the cave diving team: Ivan Karadžić, who runs a diving center, and Claus Rasmussen, a diving instructor.
• {{Flag|Finland}}: Diver Mikko Paasi assisted with the rescue efforts.{{cite web|url=https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/finnish_diver_helping_thai_rescuers_says_possible_crack_in_cave_may_save_boys/10287736|title=Finnish diver helping Thai rescuers says possible crack in cave may save boys|work=YLE|date=4 July 2018|access-date=5 July 2018|archive-date=4 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704104231/https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/finnish_diver_helping_thai_rescuers_says_possible_crack_in_cave_may_save_boys/10287736|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|France}}: Diver Maksym Polejaka assisted with the rescue efforts.{{Cite web|url=https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/french-diver-explains-difficulties-ahead-trapped-team-faces-race-water/|title=French diver explains difficulties ahead as trapped team faces 'race against water'|date=5 July 2018|website=Coconuts.co|location=Bangkok|language=en-US|access-date=4 April 2019|archive-date=25 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325092522/https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/french-diver-explains-difficulties-ahead-trapped-team-faces-race-water/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thailandcaves.shepton.org.uk/rescue-summary|title=A summary of the Tham Luang Rescue |website=thailandcaves.shepton.org.uk|orig-date=5 September 2018|date=5 February 2022|access-date=4 April 2019|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404044113/https://www.thailandcaves.shepton.org.uk/rescue-summary|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Ireland}}: Diver Jim Warny assisted with the rescue efforts.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/life-back-to-normal-for-thai-cave-rescuer-who-lives-in-clare-1.3568393|title=Life 'back to normal' for Thai cave rescuer who lives in Clare|last=Siggins |first=Lorna |work=Irish Times|date=18 July 2018|access-date=31 January 2019|archive-date=18 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718183404/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/life-back-to-normal-for-thai-cave-rescuer-who-lives-in-clare-1.3568393|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|India}}: Experts from the pump manufacturer Kirloskar Brothers provided technical advice on drainage and pumps.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rescue-from-thai-cave-indian-firm-experts-pitch-in-with-tech-support/story-cIEmXs4CeyCest6Yrhn7VJ.html|title=Indian firm experts pitch in with tech support during Thai cave rescue|agency=Press Trust of India|work=Hindustan Times|date=11 July 2018|access-date=11 July 2018|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711041045/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rescue-from-thai-cave-indian-firm-experts-pitch-in-with-tech-support/story-cIEmXs4CeyCest6Yrhn7VJ.html|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Israel}}: Diver Rafael Aroush joined the diving team, and emergency mobile communication devices were donated by Maxtech NetWorks.{{cite news|title=Israeli technology to the rescue for cave-trapped Thai boys|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israeli-technology-to-the-rescue-for-cave-trapped-Thai-boys-561806|date=6 July 2018|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|last=Schindler |first=Max|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714021940/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israeli-technology-to-the-rescue-for-cave-trapped-Thai-boys-561806|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Japan}}: Divers and engineers, including Shigeki Miyake, a drainage specialist from the Japan International Cooperation Agency in Thailand, assisted in efforts to pump water out of the cave.{{Cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-cave-rescue-farmers-happy-even-though-fields-ruined-to-help-clear-exit-for-trapped|title=Thai cave rescue: Farmers happy even though fields ruined to help clear exit for trapped boys|orig-date=5 July 2018|date=12 July 2018|website=News.com.au|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-date=6 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706022153/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-cave-rescue-farmers-happy-even-though-fields-ruined-to-help-clear-exit-for-trapped|url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|Laos}}: Members of the Vientiane Rescue contributed to the search and rescue efforts.{{cite news | date = 27 June 2018 | title = ซาบซึ้งน้ำใจ ลาวส่งทีมกู้ภัยช่วยเด็กติดถ้ำ ในถ้ำหลวงเชียงราย | language=th |trans-title=Deeply moved by the kindness of Laos sending a rescue team to help the children trapped in the cave in Tham Luang, Chiang Rai |url = https://www.thairath.co.th/content/1319187 | work=Thairath Online | access-date = 13 July 2018 | archive-date = 13 July 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180713042024/https://www.thairath.co.th/content/1319187 | url-status = live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-44627839 |title=ภารกิจถ้ำหลวง: รู้จักทีมกู้ภัยนานาชาติที่มาช่วยค้นหาทีมฟุตบอลหมูป่าอะคาเดมี |trans-title=Tham Luang Cave: Meet the International Rescue Team Who Helped Find the Wild Boars Academy Football Team |language=th |work=BBC News Thailand |orig-date=27 June 2018 |date=29 June 2018 |access-date=13 July 2018 |archive-date=20 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720184319/https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-44627839 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.banmuang.co.th/news/region/116462 |title=บ้านเมือง – สถานทูตสหรัฐแถลงการณ์ห่วง 13 ชีวิตติดถ้ำหลวง |trans-title=The US Embassy issued a statement of concern for the 13 lives trapped in Tham Luang Cave |language=th |website=Banmuang.co.th |date=28 June 2018 |access-date=13 July 2018 |archive-date=13 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713080958/http://www.banmuang.co.th/news/region/116462 |url-status=live }}
• {{Flag|Netherlands}}: Drainage specialists were sent to aid water pumping efforts.{{cite web|url=https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2018/07/dutch-drainage-specialists-arrive-in-thailand-to-support-cave-rescue/ |title=Dutch water specialists arrive in Thailand to support cave rescue |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713073304/https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2018/07/dutch-drainage-specialists-arrive-in-thailand-to-support-cave-rescue/ |archive-date=13 July 2018 |url-status=live |website=DutchNews.nl |date=9 July 2018}}
• {{Flag|New Zealand}}: Diver Ross Schnauer assisted with the rescue efforts.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kiwi-diver-ross-schnauer-details-pretty-full-on-experience-during-thai-cave-rescue/YPLEGY3MVXJ3BD4PLTLKE564JM/|title=Kiwi diver Ross Schnauer details 'pretty full on' experience during Thai cave rescue|last=Lawrence |first=Meghan |date=12 July 2018 |work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=13 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401042316/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kiwi-diver-ross-schnauer-details-pretty-full-on-experience-during-thai-cave-rescue/YPLEGY3MVXJ3BD4PLTLKE564JM/|archive-date=1 April 2023}}
• {{Flag|Russia}}: Ministry of Emergency Situations readied a volunteer team{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} including a rescue specialist.{{cite web|url=https://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=3034675|title=Вода продолжает прибывать в пещеру, где застряли дети|language=ru|trans-title=Water continues to rise into the cave where the children are stuck |website=Vesti.ru|date=4 July 2018|access-date=4 July 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705003718/https://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=3034675|archive-date=5 July 2018}}
• {{Flag|Ukraine}}: Divers Vsevolod Korobov and Maksym Polejaka assisted with the rescue efforts.{{cite news |url=https://www.unian.info/world/10175603-ukrainian-cave-divers-contribute-to-search-and-rescue-operation-in-thailand.html |title=Ukrainian cave divers contribute to search and rescue operation in Thailand |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=unian.info |publisher=Ukrainian Independent Information Agency |date=4 July 2018 |archive-date=25 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325084901/https://www.unian.info/world/10175603-ukrainian-cave-divers-contribute-to-search-and-rescue-operation-in-thailand.html |url-status=live }}
• {{Flag|United Kingdom}}: The British Cave Rescue Council sent eight experienced cave rescue divers, some familiar with caves in Thailand, to lead the diving team; three cave rescue personnel, as well as three cave rescue personnel and special equipment.{{cite press release|type=Supplemental press release|url=https://www.caverescue.org.uk/further-deployment-of-british-cave-rescue-divers-to-thailand/|title=Further deployment of British cave rescue divers to Thailand|website=British Cave Rescue Council|date=7 July 2018|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712185002/http://www.caverescue.org.uk/further-deployment-of-british-cave-rescue-divers-to-thailand/|url-status=live}} Vernon Unsworth, a British man living in the area, was the first person with caving expertise to arrive at the site.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/09/meet-seven-british-divers-playing-leading-roles-thai-cave-rescue/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/09/meet-seven-british-divers-playing-leading-roles-thai-cave-rescue/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Meet the seven British divers playing leading roles in the Thai cave rescue mission|last1=Oliphant|first1=Roland|date=11 July 2018|work=The Telegraph|access-date=12 July 2018|last2=Horton|first2=Helena|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} John Volanthen and Rick Stanton discovered the boys and led the cave diving team.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44799779|title=Key questions on Thai cave rescue|date=12 July 2018|work=BBC World News|access-date=12 July 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719053546/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44799779|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44690688|title=The Brits behind the Thai cave boys search|date=3 July 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=13 July 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=2 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502102324/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44690688|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44819416|title=Cave boys rescue diver 'not a hero'|date=13 July 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=13 July 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713115911/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44819416|url-status=live}} Chris Jewell and Jason Mallinson brought {{convert|500|kg}} of diving equipment.{{cite news|url=https://www.xray-mag.com/content/cave-divers-mallinson-and-jewel-fly-out-thailand/|title=Cave divers Mallinson and Jewel fly out to Thailand|last=Lunn|first=Rosemary E.|work=X-Ray Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705003723/https://www.xray-mag.com/content/cave-divers-mallinson-and-jewel-fly-out-thailand/|archive-date=5 July 2018|url-status=live|access-date=6 July 2018}} Other divers involved included Connor Roe and Josh Bratchley; cave rescue personnel, Mike Clayton and Gary Mitchell, provided surface control for the divers, along with Robert Harper who had initially deployed among the first three UK divers.{{cite news|url=https://www.xray-mag.com/content/two-more-brit-cave-rescuers-fly-thailand-today/|title=Two more Brit cave rescuers fly to Thailand today|last=Lunn|first=Rosemary E.|work=X-Ray Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706110329/https://www.xray-mag.com/content/two-more-brit-cave-rescuers-fly-thailand-today/|archive-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live|access-date=6 July 2018}} Tim Acton deployed as a friend of the Thai Navy SEALs.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/13/british-diver-describes-electric-feeling-rescuing-trapped-thai/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/13/british-diver-describes-electric-feeling-rescuing-trapped-thai/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=British diver describes 'electric' feeling after rescuing trapped Thai boys from cave|last1=Horton|first1=Helena|date=13 July 2018|work=The Telegraph|access-date=13 July 2018|last2=Lowe|first2=Yohannes|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}
• {{Flag|United States}}: On 28 June, the US military's Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) deployed 36 personnel from Okinawa, including airmen from 353rd Special Operations Group and the 31st Rescue Squadron. According to Military.com, they joined seven other personnel, including a member of Joint US Military Advisory Group Thailand. Pentagon spokesperson Colonel Rob Manning said that US personnel had "staged equipment and prepared the first three chambers of the cave for safe passage. The US contingent assisted in transporting the evacuees through the final chambers of the system, and provided medical personnel and other technical assistance to the rescue efforts."{{Cite news|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a22118797/us-military-thai-cave-rescue/|title=How the U.S. Military Helped Support the Thai Cave Rescue|date=11 July 2018|magazine=Popular Mechanics|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713042438/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a22118797/us-military-thai-cave-rescue/|url-status=live}}

Volunteers, teams and technical specialists from countries including Germany,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-rescuers/throng-of-volunteers-gather-to-rescue-thai-boys-trapped-in-cave-idUSKBN1JW0W7|title=Throng of volunteers gather to rescue Thai boys trapped in cave|date=6 July 2018|access-date=8 July 2018|work=Reuters|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707173250/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-rescuers/throng-of-volunteers-gather-to-rescue-thai-boys-trapped-in-cave-idUSKBN1JW0W7|url-status=live}} Myanmar, the Philippines,{{cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/06/18/meet-the-lone-filipino-in-breathtaking-thailand-cave-rescue|title=Meet the lone Filipino in breathtaking Thailand cave rescue|date=9 July 2018|access-date=7 November 2021|work=ABS-CBN News|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107013331/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/06/18/meet-the-lone-filipino-in-breathtaking-thailand-cave-rescue|url-status=live}} Singapore,{{Cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-cave-rescue-singaporean-diver-says-risky-operation-was-touch-and-go|title=Thai cave rescue: Singaporean diver who took part in risky operation says it was 'touch and go'|last=Yusof|first=Zaihan M.|date=12 July 2018|work=The Straits Times|access-date=13 July 2018|language=en|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713172949/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thai-cave-rescue-singaporean-diver-says-risky-operation-was-touch-and-go|url-status=live}} Spain,{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/elpais/2018/07/12/videos/1531408197_467143.html|title=El buzo español que participó en el rescate de Tailandia|trans-title=The Spanish diver who participated in the rescue in Thailand: "It was a relief to hear his breathing"|newspaper=El Pais|date=12 July 2018|access-date=12 July 2018|language=es|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713102940/https://elpais.com/elpais/2018/07/12/videos/1531408197_467143.html|url-status=live}} Sweden,{{cite web|url=https://mgronline.com/local/detail/9610000063231|title=ผู้ว่าฯ สั่งเดินหน้าพร่องน้ำถ้ำหลวงคืนนี้ นักประดาน้ำทีมสวีเดนถึงเชียงรายแล้ว|trans-title=Governor orders to continue draining water from Tham Luang cave tonight; Swedish diving team arrives in Chiang Rai|date=25 June 2018 |website=MGRonline.com|language=th |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180703050928/https://mgronline.com/local/detail/9610000063231|archive-date=3 July 2018|url-status=live|access-date=4 July 2018}} and Ukraine,{{Cite news|url= https://hromadske.ua/posts/poriatunok-ditei-u-pecheri-v-tailandi-v-operatsii-brav-uchast-daiver-z-ukrainy|title= Порятунок дітей у затопленій печері в Таїланді: в операції брав участь дайвер з України|trans-title=Rescue of children in a flooded cave in Thailand: a diver from Ukraine participated in the operation|work= hromadske|place= UA|access-date= 6 July 2018|language= uk|archive-date= 7 July 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180707023027/https://hromadske.ua/posts/poriatunok-ditei-u-pecheri-v-tailandi-v-operatsii-brav-uchast-daiver-z-ukrainy|url-status=live}} also participated in the operation. France offered to send a team of specialists and equipment, but Thai authorities believed that adequate resources were already on site.{{cite news |url= http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2018/07/07/french-team-ready-to-join-cave-rescue-if-thailand-asks/|title=French team ready to join cave rescue – if Thailand asks|date=7 July 2018|work= Khaosod English | access-date= 8 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707174420/http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2018/07/07/french-team-ready-to-join-cave-rescue-if-thailand-asks/ |archive-date= 7 July 2018|last=English |first=Khaosod }}

The ordeal captured the attention of media from around the world. Over a period of three weeks, articles relating to the incident dominated the top stories section at many major news publications. Following the completion of the rescue, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad conveyed his congratulations, on behalf of Malaysians, to everyone involved in the brave operation to save those trapped in Chiang Rai.{{Cite web |last=Online |first=N. S. T. |date=11 July 2018 |title=Dr M congratulates all those involved in Thai cave rescue |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/07/389705/dr-m-congratulates-all-those-involved-thai-cave-rescue |access-date= |website=NST Online |language=en}}

File:Wild Boars at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics 01.jpg at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics]]

FIFA president Gianni Infantino invited the children and coach to attend the 2018 World Cup final (on 15 July), if circumstances allowed.{{Cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/thai-cave-rescue-infantino-invites-boys-to-world-cup-final/v9y26ew6739g1a7hcmzc23jnu |title=Thai cave rescue: FIFA president Gianni Infantino invites boys to World Cup final |last=Bairner |first=Robin |website=Goal.com |date=6 July 2018 |access-date=7 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707090855/https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/thai-cave-rescue-infantino-invites-boys-to-world-cup-final/v9y26ew6739g1a7hcmzc23jnu |archive-date=7 July 2018}} However, as the entire team was hospitalised for at least a week, they were only able to watch the match on television.{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thailand-cave-rescue-thai-boys-hospital-10515272 |title=Thai cave rescue: 2 boys may have pneumonia, says health official |website=Channel NewsAsia |access-date=10 July 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710051457/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thailand-cave-rescue-thai-boys-hospital-10515272 |archive-date=10 July 2018}} FC Barcelona invited the team to play in their international academy tournament in 2019 and to watch a first-team game at their home stadium, Camp Nou.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44784745 |title=Thai cave rescue: Fifa, Man Utd & Kyle Walker offer support to young players |date=10 July 2018 |access-date=10 July 2018 |work=BBC Sport |archive-date=10 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710152313/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44784745 |url-status=live}} England and Manchester City defender Kyle Walker offered to send football shirts to the team, having noticed that one of the rescued boys was wearing a Three Lions jersey.{{cite web |url=https://talksport.com/football/397830/boys-rescue-thailand-cave-old-trafford-manchester-united-england-kyle-walker/ |title=Boy's[sic] football team rescued from Thailand cave get invite from Manchester United and touching offer from England star Kyle Walker |website=talkSPORT |date=10 July 2018 |access-date=13 July 2018 |archive-date=12 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712155601/https://talksport.com/football/397830/boys-rescue-thailand-cave-old-trafford-manchester-united-england-kyle-walker/ |url-status=live }} In October 2018, the boys travelled to the UK as guests at Old Trafford to attend a Manchester United home match against Everton in the Premier League.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/thai-cave-boys-watch-man-united-v-everton/2018/10/28/10069976-dace-11e8-8bac-bfe01fcdc3a6_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030811/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/thai-cave-boys-watch-man-united-v-everton/2018/10/28/10069976-dace-11e8-8bac-bfe01fcdc3a6_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 October 2018 |title=Thai cave boys watch Man United v Everton |newspaper=The Washington Post |agency=Associated Press |date=28 October 2018 |access-date=28 October 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46005436 |title=Thai cave boys to watch Manchester United v Everton at Old Trafford |work=BBC Sport |date=28 October 2018 |access-date=28 October 2018 |archive-date=28 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028014925/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46005436 |url-status=live}} The boys were invited by the International Olympic Committee to the opening ceremony of the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.{{cite news |title=Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympics kicks off in history-making ceremony |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-10/07/c_137515975.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007063531/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-10/07/c_137515975.htm |url-status=live |archive-date=7 October 2018 |work=Xinhua News Agency |date=7 October 2018 |access-date=17 November 2018}}

On 7 July, Elon Musk stated that engineers from SpaceX and the Boring Company planned to build a "tiny, kid-sized submarine" made from the liquid oxygen transfer tube from a Falcon rocket. The submarine would be light enough to be carried by two divers while being robust and small enough to fit through the narrow gaps.{{cite tweet |last=Musk |first=Elon |author-link=Elon Musk |user=elonmusk |number=1015657378140704768 |date=7 July 2018 |title=Got more great feedback from Thailand. Primary path is basically a tiny, kid-size submarine using the liquid oxygen transfer tube of Falcon rocket as hull. Light enough to be carried by 2 divers, small enough to get through narrow gaps. Extremely robust. |language=en |access-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805184231/https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1015657378140704768 |archive-date=5 August 2022 |url-status=live}} Later that day, Musk mentioned that construction on the submarine was complete and that it was being shipped to Thailand.{{cite tweet |last=Musk |first=Elon |author-link=Elon Musk |user=elonmusk |number=1015666557458964480 |date=7 July 2018 |title=@aiyanaskye Construction complete in about 8 hours, then 17 hour flight to Thailand |language=en |access-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122010907/https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1015666557458964480 |archive-date=22 January 2023 |url-status=live}} Rick Stanton purportedly emailed Musk stating "It is absolutely worth continuing with the development of this system in as timely a manner as feasible. If the rain holds it out it may well be used."{{Cite web |date=10 July 2018 |title=Elon Musk reveals email thread explaining why he built a mini-submarine to help save trapped Thai soccer team |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/elon-musk-reveals-email-thread-173700923.html |access-date=9 October 2024 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}} However, Stanton, through a spokesman, dismissed the plausibility of the submarine due to the cave being too narrow.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/10/world/asia/elon-musk-thailand-cave-submarine.html|title=Elon Musk Defends His Rejected Mini-Sub Plan for Thai Cave|newspaper=The New York Times|first1=Muktita|last1=Suhartono|first2=Julia|last2=Jacobs|date=10 July 2018}}

By 9 July, Musk had arrived at the rescue site and visited Cave 3. He commented that the "mini-sub" was ready if needed and that it would be left in Thailand should it be needed for the rescue or for future events.{{cite tweet |last=Musk |first=Elon |author-link=Elon Musk |user=elonmusk |number=1016443130017505280 |date=9 July 2018 |title=Just returned from Cave 3. Mini-sub is ready if needed. It is made of rocket parts & named Wild Boar after kids' soccer team. Leaving here in case it may be useful in the future. Thailand is so beautiful. https://t.co/EHNh8ydaTT |language=en |access-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026070916/https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1016443130017505280 |archive-date=26 October 2022 |url-status=live}} However, the submarine was not used during the rescue. Additionally the local governor, Narongsak Osotthanakorn, stated that it was "not practical",{{Cite web |date=10 July 2018 |title=Why was Elon Musk at the Thai cave rescue? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-44779998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705015235/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-44779998 |archive-date=5 July 2023 |website=BBC News}} to which Musk responded that the governor was not a subject matter expert and mentioned the previous emails by Rick Stanton.{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=James Hetherington |date=12 July 2018 |title=Elon Musk Shocked by Thai Cave Backlash |url=https://www.newsweek.com/elon-musk-shocked-thai-cave-backlash-somethings-messed-if-not-good-thing-1020505 |access-date=9 October 2024 |website=Newsweek |language=en}} Vern Unsworth, who helped get the attention of British cave rescue divers, ridiculed the "mini-sub" as a public relations stunt and suggested in a CNN interview that Musk "stick his submarine where it hurts".{{Cite web |last=Wilkinson |first=Bard |date=16 July 2018 |title=British rescuer considers legal action against Musk over 'pedo' tweet |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/16/asia/thai-cave-soccer-musk-rescuer-tweet-intl/index.html |access-date=30 October 2024 |website=CNN |language=en}} In retaliation for this, Musk falsely accused Unsworth of paedophilia, and hired a private investigator in an attempt to discredit him.{{Cite news |date=18 July 2018 |title=Elon Musk apologises to Thai cave diver for Twitter attack |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44870303 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=BBC World News |language=en-GB |url-status=live |archive-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719123811/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44870303}} Musk issued a public apology to Unsworth after Unsworth unsuccessfully sued him for defamation.{{Cite news |date=5 December 2019 |title=Cave diver tells court Elon Musk tweets 'humiliated' him |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50667553 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=BBC World News |language=en-GB |url-status=live |archive-date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524233519/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50667553}}

File:4547292 Cave rescue divers prepare dive equipment at Tham Luang cave.jpg

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|06|23}} |event=

The team enters the Tham Luang cave shortly after football practice and prior to heavy rain. The mother of one of the boys later reports to local police that her son is missing after he has failed to arrive home. When rumours begin to spread about the boys going into the Tham Luang cave, the police investigate and find shoes and bicycles near the cave entrance.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/thai-cave-rescue-timeline-075857109.html|title=Thai cave rescue: a timeline|date=8 July 2018|access-date=9 July 2018|website=Yahoo!|agency=AFP|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708132107/https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/thai-cave-rescue-timeline-075857109.html|archive-date=8 July 2018}}

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|06|24}} |event=

Handprints and footprints of the boys are found by officials. A vigil is held outside the cave by relatives.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|06|25}} |event=

Thai Navy SEAL divers enter the cave to search for the team.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|06|26}} |event=

Having arrived at a T-junction, divers are pushed back by floodwaters that have blocked an elevated air pocket near Pattaya Beach where it is believed the team may have been stranded.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|06|27}} |event=

British and US military teams of divers and experts are sent to Thailand to help with the search. Divers re-enter the cave system but quickly retreat due to another flooding.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/world/asia_pacific/us-uk-teams-join-thailands-search-for-13-missing-in-cave/2018/06/27/453594dc-7a82-11e8-ac4e-421ef7165923_story.html|title=Thai rescuers search for other entrances to flooded cave|last=Vejpongsa|first=Tassanee|date=28 June 2018|access-date=9 July 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709185215/https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/world/asia_pacific/us-uk-teams-join-thailands-search-for-13-missing-in-cave/2018/06/27/453594dc-7a82-11e8-ac4e-421ef7165923_story.html|archive-date=9 July 2018}}

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|06|28}} |event=

Heavy rains cause the rescue operation to stop temporarily. Pumps are delivered to drain the water. Drones are dispatched to assist more than 600 people in their search for new vents in the cave roof.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|06|29}} |event=

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha visits the site.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|06|30}} |event=

The search resumes after divers take advantage of a brief pause in the rainfall. They advance further but are still far from where they believe the boys to be stranded.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|07|01}} |event=

As divers go deeper into the cave, they use Chamber 3 as an operating base to store diving cylinders and other supplies which are replenished by support divers transiting back and forth to the cave entrance.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|07|02}} |event=

At around 8:20 pm, the boys and their coach are found alive on elevated land, {{convert|400|m|ft|abbr=on}} further than Pattaya Beach. They are discovered by the British diving team, including Richard Stanton and John Volanthen. Communication is difficult as Adul Sam-on is the only English speaker.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|07|03}} |event=

Seven Thai Navy SEAL divers deliver food, medicine and supplies to the boys, including high-calorie gels and paracetamol. Four of the divers, including Doctor Pak Loharnshoon, volunteer to stay with the boys inside the cave for a week until all 12 can be extracted.{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/superman-doctor-cared-soccer-team-thai-cave-reunites/story?id=56616196|title='Superman' doctor who cared for soccer team in cave reunites with boys in hospital|last=Bankert |first=Adrienne|date=16 July 2018|website=ABC News|language=en|access-date=17 July 2018|archive-date=17 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717144136/https://abcnews.go.com/International/superman-doctor-cared-soccer-team-thai-cave-reunites/story?id=56616196|url-status=live}} The four divers will be the last people to exit the cave after the rescue is completed.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/news/rescuers-reveal-how-the-thailand-cave-rescue-nearl/3465788/|title=Hollywood wants in on Thai cave story drama|work=Ballina Shire Advocate|access-date=16 July 2018|language=en|archive-date=16 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716053956/https://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/news/rescuers-reveal-how-the-thailand-cave-rescue-nearl/3465788/|url-status=live}}

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|07|04}} |event=

The team is taught how to use a full-face diving mask and breathing apparatus. Rescue teams work on continuing to pump water from the cave; at this stage, they have already pumped out over 30 million gallons.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|07|05}} |event=

The rescue is forced to move more quickly because of expected rain. Another group searches the mountains for any new cracks or openings.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|07|06}} |event=

Saman Kunan, a former Thai Navy SEAL diver and volunteer of the rescue mission, dies in the early hours of the morning after losing consciousness while placing diving cylinders underwater along the route to the stranded boys.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/07/06/who-former-thai-navy-seal-who-died-during-cave-rescue/762526002/|title=Who was the former Thai Navy SEAL who died during cave rescue operations to save soccer team?|last=May|first=Ashley|date=6 July 2018|access-date=9 July 2018|work=USA Today|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706195033/https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/762526002|archive-date=6 July 2018}} Authorities urge that the rescue needs to speed up, as the oxygen levels are falling to 15%, well below the 21% "safe zone".

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|07|07}} |event=

The rescue chief claims that it is not suitable for the team to dive yet. More than 100 vents are being drilled in a third attempt to reach the team. A letter from the team's coach reaches the outside, apologising to the boys' parents, along with letters from the boys to their parents.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|07|08}} |event=

An international contingent of 13 specialist divers and five Thai Navy SEALs, including four British and two Australian divers, enters the cave to begin bringing the boys to safety.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44755452|title=Thailand cave rescue: Mission to save boys under way|work=BBC World News|date=8 July 2018|access-date=8 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708043718/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44755452|archive-date=8 July 2018}} Since the most difficult parts of the passage are too narrow for more than one rescuer, each boy is assigned as the responsibility of a single rescue diver. Adding to each solo rescuer's challenge is that, in order to prevent underwater panic and to eliminate body movements that would endanger the rescue, each child is put under general anaesthesia just prior to being extricated.{{cite journal | doi=10.1007/s11673-022-10168-w | title=The Thailand Cave Rescue: General Anaesthesia in Unique Circumstances Presents Ethical Challenges for the Rescue Team | journal=Journal of Bioethical Inquiry | date=June 2022 | volume=19 | issue=2 | pages=265–271 | last=Irwin | first=Mark A. | pmid=35157229 | pmc=9233648 | s2cid=246802421 | doi-access=free }} So, in addition to manipulating the boy through narrow cave sumps, the diver also has to monitor the consciousness and breathing of a medical patient.{{rp|165–166}} The first boy is reported to have emerged from the cave at about 5:40 pm, and the fourth at about 7:50 pm,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/09/world/asia/thailand-cave-rescue-live-updates.amp.html|title=8 Saved, 5 to Go in Thai Cave Rescue|date=9 July 2018|access-date=9 July 2018|work=The New York Times|archive-date=10 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710162837/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/09/world/asia/thailand-cave-rescue-live-updates.html|url-status=live |url-access=registration}} though not all sources agree. The four boys are taken to Chiang Rai Prachanukroh, a local hospital. It is announced that divers will not resume the rescue for at least another 10 hours, as they need to replenish supplies.

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|07|09}} |event=

Four more boys are confirmed to have been extracted from the cave and transported to the hospital. It is announced that the boys will be kept in quarantine.{{cite web |last1=Davidson |first1=Tom |title=Thailand cave rescue recap: Mission to free remaining four boys and football coach "could take days" because of weather |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/thailand-cave-rescue-live-second-12881979 |access-date=9 July 2018 |work=Daily Mirror |date=9 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709110257/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/thailand-cave-rescue-live-second-12881979 |archive-date=9 July 2018 }}

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2018|07|10}} |event=

The remaining four boys and their coach are rescued.{{cite news |author=Staff |title=Thailand cave rescue: all 12 boys and coach successfully rescued – live – Three Thai navy divers and medic remain in cave at close of operation in northern Thailand – 08:06 am/et/usa |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/live/2018/jul/10/thai-cave-rescue-third-mission-planned-to-bring-out-remaining-boys-and-coach-live-updates?page=with:block-5b449f95e4b0f86cea7468e2#block-5b449f95e4b0f86cea7468e2 |date=10 July 2018 |work=The Guardian |access-date=10 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710130142/https://www.theguardian.com/news/live/2018/jul/10/thai-cave-rescue-third-mission-planned-to-bring-out-remaining-boys-and-coach-live-updates?page=with:block-5b449f95e4b0f86cea7468e2#block-5b449f95e4b0f86cea7468e2 |archive-date=10 July 2018 }}{{cite news |author=Staff |title=Thailand cave rescue: all 12 boys and coach successfully rescued – live – Last three Thai navy divers and medic have also left cave, ending perilous operation in northern Thailand – 10:49 am/et/usa |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/live/2018/jul/10/thai-cave-rescue-third-mission-planned-to-bring-out-remaining-boys-and-coach-live-updates?page=with:block-5b44c67ae4b04dbcfcbde350#block-5b44c67ae4b04dbcfcbde350 |date=10 July 2018 |work=The Guardian |access-date=10 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710165826/https://www.theguardian.com/news/live/2018/jul/10/thai-cave-rescue-third-mission-planned-to-bring-out-remaining-boys-and-coach-live-updates?page=with:block-5b44c67ae4b04dbcfcbde350 |archive-date=10 July 2018 }} It is later confirmed that all of the rescue divers have also successfully exited the cave.{{cite AV media |date=10 July 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbHtB514NaY |title=Thailand Cave rescue: All divers are now out of the cave |work=BBC News |via=YouTube |access-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306221603/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbHtB514NaY |archive-date=6 March 2023 |url-status=live}}

}}

• {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|df=yes|2019|12}} |event=

Thai Navy SEAL Beirut Pakbara dies from a blood infection contracted during the cave rescue.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/28/asia/thai-cave-rescuer-dies-intl/index.html|title=Thai Navy SEAL dies from infection he contracted during cave rescue|last1=Puranasamriddhi|first1=Angie|last2=Said-Moorhouse|first2=Lauren|website=CNN|date=28 December 2019|access-date=29 December 2019|archive-date=28 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228233048/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/28/asia/thai-cave-rescuer-dies-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}

}}

File:Tham Luang - monument.jpg

When the rescue operation was concluded, the Tham Luang Nang Non cave and adjacent forest park were immediately closed to the public.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-tourism/thailands-tham-luang-cave-to-become-museum-to-showcase-boys-rescue-idUSKBN1K11XO|title=Thailand's Tham Luang cave to become museum to showcase boys' rescue|last=Wongcha-um|first=Panu|work=Reuters|date=11 July 2018|access-date=11 July 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711155337/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-tourism/thailands-tham-luang-cave-to-become-museum-to-showcase-boys-rescue-idUSKBN1K11XO|url-status=live}} Realising the massive tourism potential, the Thai authorities announced plans to turn the cave into a living museum to showcase the multinational rescue effort.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44803386 |title=Thailand cave: Museum and film in the works for Tham Luang |date=12 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2024 |work=BBC World News |url-status=live |archive-date=15 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715150633/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44803386}} The head of the rescue mission and former governor of Chiang Rai province, {{Interlanguage link|Narongsak Osatanakorn|th|ณรงค์ศักดิ์ โอสถธนากร}}, predicted that the area was set to become a "major attraction for Thailand", and the deputy head of national parks, Chongklai Woraponsathron, said "we are lucky that we are going to have a world class tourist attraction".{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/thai-caves-rescue-museum-tourist-attraction-tham-luang-schoolboys-trapped-a8443896.html |title=Thai caves where schoolboys were trapped to be turned into a museum |last=Whitehead |first=Joanna |date=12 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2024 |work=The Independent |url-status=live |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424150805/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/thai-caves-rescue-museum-tourist-attraction-tham-luang-schoolboys-trapped-a8443896.html}} However, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha highlighted the concerns for tourist safety and stated that the cave was "dangerous", insisting that the site could not be reopened until adequate precautions had been implemented to safeguard visitors. Prior to the 2018 cave rescue, the area was largely undeveloped and had limited facilities for tourists.

To honour those involved in the rescue operation, a huge mural was created by a team of local artists.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-44898364 |title=Thai cave: Artists' huge mural honours rescue heroes |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=21 July 2024 |work=BBC News |url-status=live |archive-date=24 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724195553/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-44898364}} It first went on display at Wat Rong Khun, a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai province, before being moved to a memorial pavilion near the Tham Luang cave entrance in December 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/30360195 |title='The Heroes' painting to be moved to memorial pavilion in front of Tham Luang Cave |date=11 December 2018 |access-date=21 July 2024 |website=The Nation |url-status=live |archive-date=24 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124010740/https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/30360195}} Saman Kunan, the former Thai Navy SEAL who died during the rescue operation, is commemorated with a twice life-size bronze statue situated in front of the memorial pavilion.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-23/australian-divers-return-to-thai-cave/11036178 |title=Australian divers Richard Harris and Craig Challen return to scene of dramatic Thai cave soccer team rescue |last=Cochrane |first=Liam |website=ABC Online |date=22 April 2019 |access-date=20 July 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329013922/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-23/australian-divers-return-to-thai-cave/11036178}} Designed by renowned national artist Chalermchai Kositpipat{{Cite news | first=Theerawat | last=Khamthita | title=National aritst[sic] to build statue of ex-Navy seal | url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1502898/national-aritst-to-build-statue-for-ex-navy-seal | work=Bangkok Post | date=13 July 2018 | access-date=29 July 2018 | archive-date=10 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710162758/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1502898/national-aritst-to-build-statue-for-ex-navy-seal | url-status=live }} and produced at a fine art foundry in Thailand's Ayutthaya province, the statue depicts Kunan with 13 wild boars at his feet, symbolising the 12 boys and their football coach.{{cite web|url=https://thethaiger.com/news/northern-thailand/saman-kunans-bronze-statue-arrives-in-chiang-rai |title=Saman Kunan's bronze statue arrives in Chiang Rai |website=The Thaiger |orig-date=14 December 2018 |date=25 December 2023 |access-date=20 July 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=20 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720220733/https://thethaiger.com/news/northern-thailand/saman-kunans-bronze-statue-arrives-in-chiang-rai}}

After the forest park was reopened on 16 November 2018, thousands of tourists flocked to the site, but they were not allowed inside the cave as work was under way on creating a living museum dedicated to the rescue.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/nov/27/thai-cave-football-team-rescue-tham-luang-tourist-hotspot-thailand |title=Thai cave famous for football team rescue now a tourist hotspot |date=27 November 2018 |access-date=22 July 2024 |last=O'Connell |first=Ronan |work=The Guardian |url-status=live |archive-date=30 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130193452/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/nov/27/thai-cave-football-team-rescue-tham-luang-tourist-hotspot-thailand}} The cave was officially opened to the public 12 months later, on 1 November 2019, in an inauguration ceremony attended by monks, Thai government officials and forest rangers.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-50266947 |title=Thailand cave rescue: Tham Luang reopens to tourists |date=1 November 2019 |access-date=22 July 2024 |work=BBC World News |url-status=live |archive-date=3 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103120152/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50266947}} This was the first time since the rescue that tourists had been allowed to enter the cave itself, although there was a limit of twenty people at a time, and they were only permitted to visit the main entrance cavern.{{cite news|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1785029/big-crowds-as-tham-luang-opens-to-tourists |title=Tourists flock to Tham Luang cave on opening day |date=1 November 2019 |access-date=22 July 2024 |work=Bangkok Post |url-status=live |archive-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105072625/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1785029/big-crowds-as-tham-luang-opens-to-tourists}} At around the same time, Tham Luang was upgraded from a forest park to a national park in view of its enhanced status as a tourist hotspot. Forestry officials said that prior to the rescue, around 40,000 tourists had visited the area each year, but more than 1 million had visited since the park reopened the previous November.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/nov/01/its-brought-a-lot-of-hope-thai-cave-reopens-after-football-team-rescue |title='It's brought a lot of hope': Thai cave reopens after football team rescue |date=1 November 2019 |access-date=22 July 2024 |last=Fullerton |first=Jamie |work=The Guardian |url-status=live |archive-date=7 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107155619/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/nov/01/its-brought-a-lot-of-hope-thai-cave-reopens-after-football-team-rescue}}

On 24 June 2023, a ceremony was held in front of the Tham Luang cave to mark the fifth anniversary of the search and rescue mission.{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/ceremony-at-thai-cave-to-mark-5th-anniversary-of-rescue-mission |title=Ceremony at Thai cave to mark 5th anniversary of rescue mission |date=25 June 2023 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=The Straits Times |url-status=live |archive-date=28 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628005625/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/ceremony-at-thai-cave-to-mark-5th-anniversary-of-rescue-mission}} The cave system was then reopened in phases for public access and adventure tourism.{{cite web|url=https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40033908 |title=Adventure tourists to descend famous Tham Luang Cave |date=18 December 2023 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=The Nation |url-status=live |archive-date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218074419/https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40033908}} The first two chambers were opened to the public in July 2023, with large groups guided as far as Chamber 1 multiple times a day, while smaller groups could visit Chamber 2 on pre-booked guided tours.{{cite web|url=https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/tham-luang-cave-reopens-with-safety-measures-for-tourists-in-july |title=Thailand's Tham Luang Cave reopens for tourists in July |last=Connor |first=Mitch |date=21 May 2023 |access-date=26 July 2024 |website=The Thaiger |url-status=live |archive-date=28 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528143554/https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/tham-luang-cave-reopens-with-safety-measures-for-tourists-in-july}} Limited tours to the third chamber, which served as the hub of the rescue operation, began in December 2023.{{cite news|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2692643/tours-to-tham-luang-cave-rescue-chamber-to-begin |title=Tours to Tham Luang cave rescue chamber to begin |date=26 November 2023 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Bangkok Post |url-status=live |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424053649/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2692643/tours-to-tham-luang-cave-rescue-chamber-to-begin}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/thailand-reopens-tham-luang-cave-for-visits-5-years-after-rescue-incident/news |title=Thailand reopens Tham Luang Cave for visits 5 years after rescue incident |editor-last=Keskin |editor-first=Buse |agency=Deutsche Presse-Agentur |date=30 November 2023 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Daily Sabah |url-status=live |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209153940/https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/thailand-reopens-tham-luang-cave-for-visits-5-years-after-rescue-incident/news}} Accompanied by licensed tour guides, small numbers of tourists can experience the obstacles encountered by the rescue teams and understand the extremely complicated rescue work that was carried out in July 2018. The equipment used by the divers, including ropes, cables and oxygen tubes, remains untouched as exhibits for the visitors to view for themselves.{{cite news|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2707433/tham-luang-dares-tourists-to-visit-chamber-3 |title=Tham Luang dares tourists to visit 'Chamber 3' |last=Wipatayotin |first=Apinya |date=18 December 2023 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Bangkok Post |url-status=live |archive-date=29 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229151358/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2707433/tham-luang-dares-tourists-to-visit-chamber-3}} The area after Chamber 3 remains closed to the public, but there are plans to open it up further in the future for more experienced cavers to explore. Back at the cave entrance, display boards give details of the rescue operation, and some of the bicycles are still standing where the boys left them on the day they entered the cave.

Following the incident, cave-diving was incorporated into the training regime for Thailand's Navy SEALs to better prepare them for similar emergencies.{{cite news|url=https://time.com/5337950/thailand-navy-seals-cave-diving-training/|last=Quackenbush |first=Casey |title=After a Successful Cave Rescue, Thailand's Navy SEALs Will Add Cave-Diving to Their Training |date=13 July 2018|magazine=Time|language=en|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-date=16 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716004426/http://time.com/5337950/thailand-navy-seals-cave-diving-training/|url-status=live}} As three of the boys and their assistant coach were stateless, officials promised that the four would be granted Thai citizenship within six months, and this happened on 26 September 2018. The Thai government vowed to end statelessness by 2024.{{Cite news|url=https://fortune.com/2018/07/10/thai-cave-rescue-soccer-whats-next/|title=What's Next For The Rescued Thai Soccer Team?|work=Fortune|date=10 July 2018 |last=McGirt |first=Ellen |access-date=13 July 2018|language=en|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713171701/http://fortune.com/2018/07/10/thai-cave-rescue-soccer-whats-next/|url-status=live}}

• Aquanaut: A Life Beneath The Surface – The Inside Story of the Thai Cave Rescue (2021) by Rick Stanton
• Thirteen Lessons that Saved Thirteen Lives: The Thai Cave Rescue (2021) by John Volanthen
• Against All Odds by Craig Challen and Richard Harris
• All Thirteen – a 2020 non-fiction children's book by American author Christina Soontornvat. It received positive reviews from critics and was awarded a Newbery Honor and a Sibert Honor in 2021.
• The Boys in the Cave (2018) by Matt Gutman
• The Great Cave Rescue (2018) by James Massola
• The Art of Risk (2023) by Richard Harris
• Titan and the Wild Boars: The True Cave Rescue of the Thai Soccer Team (2019) illustrated children's book by Susan Hood and Pathana Sornhiran illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

• 2018: Against The Elements: Tham Luang Cave Rescue, a documentary with exclusive interviews, produced by Channel News Asia in Singapore.{{Cite news |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/against-elements/against-elements-1536671 |title=Against The Elements |work=Channel News Asia |last=Johnson |first=Dean |date=8 August 2018 |access-date=9 August 2022 |archive-date=10 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810034041/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/against-elements/against-elements-1536671 |url-status=live }}
• 2018: Thai Cave Rescue, an episode of science television series Nova (season 45, episode 14).{{cite episode| url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/thai-cave-rescue/ | title=Thai Cave Rescue| series=Nova |date=14 November 2018|season=45|number=14|network=PBS}}
• 2019: The Cave, a feature film written and directed by Thai-Irish filmmaker Tom Waller. Features many of the real-life cave divers as themselves.{{Cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46644840 | title=A sneak peek at the first Thai cave rescue film | last=Cheung | first=Helier | date=25 December 2018 | work=BBC World News | access-date=26 December 2018 | language=en-GB | archive-date=27 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227031155/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46644840 | url-status=live }}
• 2019: Thai Cave Rescue, an episode of the National Geographic television series Drain the Oceans (season 2, episode 12). Unveils post-rescue lidar scans of the cave topology.{{cite episode | url=https://www.natgeotv.com/za/shows/natgeo/drain-the-oceans-1 |date=2 September 2019| title=Thai Cave Rescue |series=Drain the Oceans| season=2| number=12| network= National Geographic Channel }}
• 2019: 13 Lost: The Untold Story of the Thai Cave Rescue{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
• 2021: The Rescue, a National Geographic documentary released on 8 October 2021. Makes use of body-cam footage recorded by the divers involved in the operation.
• 2022: Thirteen Lives, an Amazon Original film directed by Ron Howard with screenplay by William Nicholson, released in theatres in July 2022 and on Amazon Prime in August 2022.{{Cite news | first=Dave | last=McNary | title=Film News Roundup: MGM Boards Thai Cave Rescue Movie With Director Ron Howard | url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/mgm-thai-cave-rescue-movie-ron-howard-1234597698/ | work=Variety | date=4 May 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505190921/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/mgm-thai-cave-rescue-movie-ron-howard-1234597698/ | archive-date=5 May 2020 | url-status=live}} Filming began in Queensland, Australia in March 2021.{{cite web |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |title=Ron Howard's Thai Caves Rescue Film 'Thirteen Lives' to Shoot in Australia |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/ron-howard-thai-cave-rescue-film-australia-scott-morrison-1234841016/ |website=Variety |access-date=22 March 2021 |date=27 November 2020 |archive-date=10 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310090539/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/ron-howard-thai-cave-rescue-film-australia-scott-morrison-1234841016/ |url-status=live }}
• 2022: Thai Cave Rescue, a Netflix limited series released on 22 September 2022. The only dramatic production granted access to members of the Wild Boars.{{Cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=27 July 2022 |title=Netflix 'Thai Cave Rescue' Series Sets September Release, Claims Maximum Authenticity Amid Similar Projects |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/netflix-thai-cave-rescue-series-1235326823/ |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=2 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802021722/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/netflix-thai-cave-rescue-series-1235326823/ |url-status=live }}
• 2022: The Trapped 13: How We Survived The Thai Cave, a Netflix documentary released on 5 October 2022. Features interviews with selected members of the Wild Boars team.{{cite press release|title=Hear From the Boys Themselves in 'The Trapped 13: How We Survived the Thai Cave' Documentary|url=https://about.netflix.com/en/news/the-trapped-13-how-we-survive-the-thai-cave-trailer|work=Netflix Media Center|date=9 September 2022|access-date=10 September 2022 |url-status=live |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922052141/https://about.netflix.com/en/news/the-trapped-13-how-we-survive-the-thai-cave-trailer}}

A song about the rescue, "Heroes of Thailand" was written on 16 July 2018 by British music producer Will Robinson,{{cite web |title=Singing for our heroes |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/music/30356608 |website=The Nation |date=17 October 2018 |access-date=11 July 2024 |url-status=live |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308220626/https://www.nationthailand.com/music/30356608}} with English and North Thailand dialect lyrics and was performed by the Isan Project featuring Ronnarong Khampha.{{cite AV media |date=16 October 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trGm2-qPXcE |title=Heroes of Thailand – The Isan Project ft Ronnarong Khampha |publisher=The Isan Project |via=YouTube |access-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131102757/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trGm2-qPXcE |archive-date=31 January 2023 |url-status=live}}

• {{Flag|Australia}}: On 24 July 2018, the Governor-General of Australia awarded the Bravery Medal to the six AFP Special Response Group divers and the Navy Clearance diver who supported the diving operation in the cave for "having displayed considerable bravery". Dr. Richard Harris and Craig Challen were awarded the Star of Courage for "having displayed conspicuous courage". All nine were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for "service to the international community through their specialist response roles".{{cite magazine |title=Australian Honours |magazine=Government Notices Gazette|date=24 July 2018 |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |location=Canberra |url=https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/honours/special/GG%20website%20-%20BD89A%20and%20OOS6.pdf |access-date=25 July 2018|issn=0819-7105 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725134322/https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/honours/special/GG%20website%20-%20BD89A%20and%20OOS6.pdf |archive-date=25 July 2018}} On 25 January 2019, Challen and Harris were named Australians of the Year.{{cite news |last1=Zhou |first1=Naaman |title=Australian of the year 2019: Thai cave rescue divers win rare joint award |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jan/25/australian-of-the-year-2019-thai-cave-rescue-divers-win-rare-joint-award |access-date=25 January 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=25 January 2019 |archive-date=25 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125094244/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jan/25/australian-of-the-year-2019-thai-cave-rescue-divers-win-rare-joint-award |url-status=live }}
• {{Flag|Belgium}}: On 22 November 2018, Belgian diver Jim Warny was made a Knight of the Order of Leopold for his rescue efforts.{{cite tweet |author=Belgium in Ireland |user=BEinIreland |number=1065574816462327808 |date=22 November 2018 |title=🏵🇧🇪 Excited to award Belgian diver Jim Warny the 'Chevalier de l'Ordre de Léopold/Ridder in de Leopoldsorde' high distinction on behalf of @MonarchieBe later tonight, for the heroic rescue of young footballers in Thailand last July! Congratulations Jim! https://t.co/pTknyYldjy https://t.co/5fd0OgeaRu |language=en |access-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306221613/https://twitter.com/beinireland/status/1065574816462327808 |archive-date=6 March 2023 |url-status=live}}
• {{Flag|China}}: On 18 July 2018, the Thai Ambassador to Beijing hosted a luncheon for the Beijing Peaceland Foundation and Green Boat Emergency Rescue organisation.{{cite press release|title=งานเลี้ยงแสดงความขอบคุณมูลนิธิ Beijing Peaceland และองค์กร Green Boat Emergency Rescue ในภารกิจสนับสนุนการช่วยเหลือเยาวชนทีมฟุตบอล ณ ถ้ำหลวง-ขุนน้ำนางนอน จ. เชียงราย |trans-title=A thank you party for the Beijing Peaceland Foundation and Green Boat Emergency Rescue Organization for their mission to support the rescue of the youth football team at Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non Cave, Chiang Rai Province |url=http://www.thaiembbeij.org/thaiembbeij/th/news-activity/activity/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=18690 |website=Royal Thai Embassy, Beijing |access-date=5 August 2018 |language=th |date=23 July 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805142744/http://www.thaiembbeij.org/thaiembbeij/th/news-activity/activity/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=18690 |archive-date=5 August 2018}}
• {{Flag|Thailand}}:
• On 13 July 2018, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, in a letter of commendation, posthumously promoted former Navy SEAL Saman Kunan, who had died on 6 July, to Lieutenant Commander, and on 14 July, King Maha Vajiralongkorn awarded him with the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant. Commander of the Navy SEALs, Rear Admiral Apakorn Youkongkaew, and Navy SEAL Special Captain Anan Surawan, Commander of the First Special Warfare Corps, were cited in the letter of commendation by the Commander-in-Chief for their "outstanding performance, which sets the best example for others in the Thai Navy to follow".{{cite web|author1=Thai NavySEAL|title=Letter of commendation|url=https://www.facebook.com/ThaiSEAL/photos/a.1393158180807577.1073741828.1393136284143100/1664250223698370/?type=3&theater|via=Facebook|date=21 July 2018|access-date=25 July 2018|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308005649/https://www.facebook.com/ThaiSEAL/photos/a.1393158180807577.1073741828.1393136284143100/1664250223698370/?type=3&theater|url-status=live}} RADM Youkongkaew had commanded the overall activities of all divers during the operation and CAPT Surawan had commanded the operational center in Chamber 3. The commendation stated that 127 current and former Navy SEAL members and a 32-member medical team had participated in the rescue.
• On 7 September 2018, the Thai government hosted a reception for all Thai and foreign officials and personnel involved in the rescue. His Majesty the King granted a royal decoration, the Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn, to 188 people who were involved in the rescue of the football team—114 foreigners and 74 Thais.{{cite news|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1535318/cave-boys-claim-life-remains-the-same|title=Cave boys claim life remains the same. His Majesty to confer about 200 decorations.|newspaper=Bangkok Post|date=7 September 2018 |language=en|access-date=24 October 2018|archive-date=10 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710163409/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1535318/cave-boys-claim-life-remains-the-same|url-status=live |last1=Mala |first1=Dumrongkiat }} The official list of recipients of the Order of the Direkgunabhorn for the Tham Luang cave rescue was published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 21 March 2019.{{cite journal|author=Khun Na Nang Non|trans-journal=Royal Thai Government Gazette|script-journal=th:ราชกิจจานุเบกษา |date=21 March 2019 |volume=136 |issue=Part 7 B |script-title=th:ประกาศสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี เรื่อง พระราชทานเครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์อันเป็นที่สรรเสริญยิ่งดิเรกคุณาภรณ์ให้แก่บุคคลที่ช่วยเหลือผู้ประสบภัยในถ้ำหลวง วนอุทยานถ้ำหลวง-ขุนน้ำนางนอน จังหวัดเชียงราย |trans-title=Announcement from the Office of the Prime Minister regarding the granting of the most highly praised royal decoration, Direk Kunaporn, to persons who helped victims of the Tham Luang Cave. Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park Chiang Rai Province |url= http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2562/B/007/T_0001.PDF |language=th|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322015446/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2562/B/007/T_0001.PDF|url-status=dead |archive-date=22 March 2019|access-date=22 March 2019}}
• {{Flag|United Kingdom}}:
• On 24 July 2018, UK Prime Minister Theresa May hosted a reception at 10 Downing Street with the Thai Ambassador for the British Cave Rescue Council divers and personnel involved in the rescue.{{cite news |title=UK PM May hosts reception for the who rescued Thai children |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-britain/uk-pm-may-hosts-reception-for-divers-who-rescued-thai-children-idUSKBN1KE28R |access-date=5 August 2018 |work=Reuters |date=24 July 2018 |archive-date=5 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805115633/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave-britain/uk-pm-may-hosts-reception-for-divers-who-rescued-thai-children-idUSKBN1KE28R |url-status=live }}{{cite press release|title=BCRC Team attend a reception at No.10 |url=https://www.caverescue.org.uk/bcrc-team-at-no-10-reception/ |website=British Cave Rescue Council |access-date=5 August 2018 |date=3 August 2018 |url-status=live |archive-date=5 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805112821/https://www.caverescue.org.uk/bcrc-team-at-no-10-reception/}}
• In November 2018, the Pride of Britain 2018 award was presented to the British cave rescue team for "Outstanding Bravery". The rescued children attended the award ceremony in London.{{cite web|url=https://www.prideofbritain.com/history/2018/british-cave-rescue-team|title=British Cave Rescue Team – Pride of Britain Awards (2018)|website=prideofbritain.com|language=en-gb|access-date=6 November 2018|archive-date=7 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107104158/https://www.prideofbritain.com/history/2018/british-cave-rescue-team|url-status=dead}}
• On 28 December 2018, seven British members of the rescue team were honoured in the 2019 New Year Honours. Rick Stanton and John Volanthen each received the George Medal; Chris Jewell and Jason Mallinson received the Queen's Gallantry Medal; and Josh Bratchley, Connor Roe and Vern Unsworth were appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).{{cite web|url=https://xray-mag.com/content/7-medals-and-cave-dive-new-years-honour-awards-thai-rescuers/|title=7 Medals and a Cave Dive – New Year's Honour Awards for the Thai Rescuers|last=Lunn|first=Rosemary E|date=28 December 2018|work=X-Ray Magazine|access-date=28 December 2018|archive-date=30 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230181252/https://xray-mag.com/content/7-medals-and-cave-dive-new-years-honour-awards-thai-rescuers/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46701985|title=New Year Honours 2019: Divers honoured for Thai cave rescue|date=28 December 2018|website=BBC News|access-date=29 December 2018|archive-date=4 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704063218/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46701985|url-status=live}}
• International:
• British and Australian divers, Stanton, Volanthen, Harris, Mallinson and Jewell were the first ever recipients of the Medal of Valor from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, an American organisation.{{Cite press release|url=https://www.divenewswire.com/padi-awards-medal-of-valor-to-thailand-cave-rescuers-representing-divings-finest-hour/|title=PADI Awards Medal of Valor to Thailand Cave Rescuers Representing Diving's Finest Hour|date=31 October 2018|website=DiveNewswire|language=en-US|access-date=9 April 2019 |url-status=live |archive-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428185742/https://www.divenewswire.com/padi-awards-medal-of-valor-to-thailand-cave-rescuers-representing-divings-finest-hour/}}
• On 5 January 2019, the Asian Football Federation awarded the Wild Boars a two-year support program, providing the club with technical support, training equipment and 100 Molten match balls a year. Three of the boys and their coach were invited as guests of honour to watch the match between Thailand and India at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates on 6 January 2019.{{cite news|url=https://www.thenational.ae/uae/thai-cave-rescue-boys-to-be-asian-cup-guests-of-honour-in-uae-1.809543|title=Thai cave rescue boys to be Asian Cup guests of honour in UAE|last1=Webster|first1=Nick|work=The National|date=5 January 2019|access-date=5 January 2019|archive-date=5 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105152836/https://www.thenational.ae/uae/thai-cave-rescue-boys-to-be-asian-cup-guests-of-honour-in-uae-1.809543|url-status=live}}

• {{annotated link|Modesto Varischetti}} (1907)
• {{annotated link|Alpazat cave rescue}} (2004)
• {{annotated link|Beaconsfield Mine collapse}}
• {{annotated link|2010 Copiapó mining accident}}
• {{annotated link|Riesending cave rescue}}
• {{annotated link|Qixia gold mine accident}}
• {{Anl|Uttarakhand tunnel rescue}}

{{Reflist|refs=

{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44688909|title=Missing Thai boys 'found alive' in caves|date=2 July 2018|work=BBC World News|access-date=2 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702180939/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44688909|archive-date=2 July 2018}}

{{cite news |url=https://time.com/5327988/thailand-soccer-team-trapped-cave-rescue/ |title=Why It's So Hard to Rescue the Thai Team Trapped in a Cave|magazine=Time|last=Solomon|first=Feliz|access-date=2 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703040908/http://time.com/5327988/thailand-soccer-team-trapped-cave-rescue/|archive-date=3 July 2018}}

{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/power-line-put-in-thai-cave-to-help-search-for-missing-boys/2018/06/25/8cb52abc-78d8-11e8-ac4e-421ef7165923_story.html|title=Flooding complicates cave search for Thai soccer team|first=Tassanee|last=Vejpongsa|agency=AP|date=26 June 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626035026/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/power-line-put-in-thai-cave-to-help-search-for-missing-boys/2018/06/25/8cb52abc-78d8-11e8-ac4e-421ef7165923_story.html|archive-date=26 June 2018}}

{{cite web|url=https://weather.com/news/trending/video/search-suspended-for-boys-in-flooded-cave-in-thailand|title=Search Suspended for Boys in Flooded Cave in Thailand|website=The Weather Channel|access-date=2 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629160947/https://weather.com/news/trending/video/search-suspended-for-boys-in-flooded-cave-in-thailand|archive-date=29 June 2018}}

{{cite news|url=https://multimedia.scmp.com/news/world/article/2154457/thai-cave-rescue/index.html|title=How the Thai cave rescue mission unfolded|website=South China Morning Post|date=12 July 2018|access-date=12 July 2018|archive-date=12 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712222109/https://multimedia.scmp.com/news/world/article/2154457/thai-cave-rescue/index.html|url-status=live}}

{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/06/28/british-divers-join-rescue-effort-thai-cave-football-team/|title=British divers join rescue effort at Thai cave for football team|date=28 June 2018|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=2 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630002817/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/06/28/british-divers-join-rescue-effort-thai-cave-football-team/|archive-date=30 June 2018}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-thai-cave-missing-boys-20180702-story.html |title=All 12 boys and their soccer coach found alive in Thailand cave, but getting out will be difficult |agency=Associated Press |website=Los Angeles Times |last=Styliss |first=George |date=2 July 2018 |access-date=2 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705180247/https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-thai-cave-missing-boys-20180702-story.html |archive-date=5 July 2018 }}

{{Cite news|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1496150/classmates-yearn-for-safe-return-of-boys-trapped-in-cave|title=Classmates yearn for safe return of boys trapped in cave|website=Bangkok Post|agency=Agence France-Presse |date=2 July 2018 |access-date=2 July 2018 |url-status=live |archive-date=14 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314021633/https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1496150/classmates-yearn-for-safe-return-of-boys-trapped-in-cave}}

{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave/found-alive-on-10th-day-thai-boys-cave-ordeal-not-over-idUSKBN1JT059|title=Found alive on 10th day, Thai boys' cave ordeal not over|author-first=Panu|author-last=Wongcha-um|date=3 July 2018|access-date=3 July 2018|work=Reuters|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703034824/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-accident-cave/found-alive-on-10th-day-thai-boys-cave-ordeal-not-over-idUSKBN1JT059|archive-date=3 July 2018}}

{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/02/asia/thai-cave-rescue-intl/index.html|title=Thai cave rescue: Soccer team found alive one kilometer underground|first1=Kocha|last1=Olarn|first2=Lauren|last2=Said-Moorhouse|date=3 July 2018|access-date=3 July 2018|publisher=CNN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703030435/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/02/asia/thai-cave-rescue-intl/index.html|archive-date=3 July 2018}}

{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jul/11/the-great-escape-newspapers-around-the-world-share-joy-of-thai-cave-rescue|title='The Great Escape': newspapers around the world share joy of Thai cave rescue|last=Lyons|first=Kate|date=11 July 2018|access-date=11 July 2018|work=The Guardian|archive-date=11 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711050341/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jul/11/the-great-escape-newspapers-around-the-world-share-joy-of-thai-cave-rescue|url-status=live}}

{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44876108|title=Five things we learned from Thai boys' news conference|work=BBC World News|date=18 July 2018|access-date=28 October 2018|archive-date=26 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826051853/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44876108|url-status=live}}

{{Cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2154815/divers-give-first-detailed-account-thai-cave-rescue-water|title=Last boy was out – but hero cave divers were still in deep water|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=16 July 2018|language=en|archive-date=16 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716054311/https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2154815/divers-give-first-detailed-account-thai-cave-rescue-water|url-status=live}}

{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/thai-cave-rescue-calm-voice-of-coach-helped-boys-to-beat-despair-in-the-darkness-pzl8h8crt|title=Thai cave rescue: calm voice of coach helped boys to beat despair in the darkness|last=Parry|first=Richard L.|date=14 July 2018|work=The Times|access-date=15 July 2018|language=en|issn=0140-0460|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715094428/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/thai-cave-rescue-calm-voice-of-coach-helped-boys-to-beat-despair-in-the-darkness-pzl8h8crt|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}

}}

{{notelist}}

• {{cite book |last=Soontornvat |first=Christina |author-link=Christina Soontornvat|title=All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team |year=2020 |publisher=Candlewick Press |url= |isbn=978-1-5362-1608-0}}
• {{cite book |last=Volanthen |first=John |author-link=John Volanthen |title=Thirteen Lessons that Saved Thirteen Lives: The Thai Cave |year=2021 |publisher=Aurum |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GykhEAAAQBAJ&q=%22john+volanthen%22 |isbn=978-0-7112-6609-4}}
• {{cite book |last=Stanton |first=Rick |author-link=Rick Stanton |title=Aquanaut: A Life Beneath The Surface – The Inside Story of the Thai Cave Rescue |year=2021 |publisher=Michael Joseph |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lCUgEAAAQBAJ |isbn=978-1-4059-4411-3}}
• {{cite book|author1=Craig Challen |author2=Richard Harris |date=2019 |title=Against All Odds: The inside account of the Thai cave rescue and the courageous Australians at the heart of it |publisher=Penguin Random House |isbn=978-1-76089-095-7}}
• {{cite book |last=Gutman |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Gutman |title=The Boys in the Cave: Deep Inside the Impossible Rescue in Thailand |year=2018 |publisher=William Morrow |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IrpnDwAAQBAJ&q=%22matt+gutman%22 |isbn=978-0-06-290993-0}}

{{wikinews|nl:Categorie:Reddingsactie in Doi Nang Non}}

{{wikinews|ru:Категория:Спасательная операция в пещере Тхам Луанг}}

{{Commons category|2018 Tham Luang cave rescue}}

• {{YouTube|esjQLvsgTs4|Out of The Dark – Four Corners}} documentary (55:44); 17 July 2018; ABC News (Australia)
• [https://iview.abc.net.au/show/abc-news-special-the-thai-kids-talk The Thai Kids Talk] – live press conference with English translation (1:31:32; 18 July 2018; ABC News (Australia) on ABC iview) alternative link on [https://www.facebook.com/abcnews.au/videos/thai-boys-and-coach-discharged-from-hospital/10158781587074988/ Facebook]
• {{YouTube|SnXwvyZhm24|Thai cave rescue}} – Rick Stanton account (03:42; 17 July 2018; ITV-News)
• [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/07/21/world/asia/thai-cave-rescue-ar-ul.html Thai cave rescue] (augmented reality) (21 July 2018; NYT)
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_kiX0uUDNI "Tham Luang Cave Rescue: Against The Elements"], YouTube

{{Tham Luang cave rescue}}

{{Underwater diving|hisdiv}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2018 disasters in Thailand

Category:2018 in Thailand

Category:Accidents and incidents involving sports teams

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Category:Asia Game Changer Award winners

Category:Cave diving

Category:2010s missing person cases

Category:Formerly missing people

Category:Caving incidents and rescues

Category:Chiang Rai province

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Category:Underwater diving deaths