News Forum - Tham Luang, site of dramatic 2018 rescue, re-opens to tourists from Friday

[Thaiger]

A Thai cave complex, which came to the world’s attention during a dramatic rescue in 2018, will re-open to visitors from Friday. The Tham Luang cave, in the northern province of Chiang Rai, hit the media spotlight when 12 young footballers and their coach became trapped by floodwaters 3 years ago. The Bangkok Post reports that the cave complex, in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, has been closed to visitors since April due to the Covid-19 pandemic. From Friday, tourists will be able to walk along a trail that has been newly extended, into the Tham Luang cave. The visit […]

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[Changnam43]

Hmmm....I'm just wondering whether it makes sense to reopen just as the peak of the rainy season approaches.

[Stonker]

Short-sighted beyond belief.

This would normally be the date when the cave would be closing every year due to the dangers of flash floods.

Although the cave at the limit of tourist access is relatively near the entrance / exit, this is the cave from which the last of the pump teams and remaining Seals had to run for their lives after the rescue when there was a flash flood, leaving their equipment behind.

They said they were lucky to get out alive, and that was when that part of the cave was fully flood-lit.

[Fluke]

2 minutes ago, Stonker said:

Short-sighted beyond belief.

This would normally be the date when the cave would be closing every year due to the dangers of flash floods.

Although the cave at the limit of tourist access is relatively near the entrance / exit, this is the cave from which the last of the pump teams and remaining Seals had to run for their lives after the rescue when there was a flash flood, leaving their equipment behind.

They said they were lucky to get out alive, and that was when that part of the cave was fully flood-lit.

 

    Maybe they are looking to make a sequel of the film ?

A bit like The Hangover movies' ?

Thailand cave rescue 2 

[Rain]

59 minutes ago, Changnam43 said:

Hmmm....I'm just wondering whether it makes sense to reopen just as the peak of the rainy season approaches.

Actually, the season is coming toward the end. 

[Changnam43]

42 minutes ago, Rain said:

Actually, the season is coming toward the end. 

Yes.  And peak rainfall is normally at the end.

[Jason]

As long as you have a rescue plan that doesn't involve international expertise in extracting people, I guess your ok??? Surely after the death of a Thai navy diver in the attempt to rescue these children, it's time to treat these caves with caution.

[Stonker]

1 hour ago, Rain said:

Actually, the season is coming toward the end. 

No, for flash floods it's just starting as the water builds up underground above the caves then goes through the limestone.

The caves were due to be closed in 2018 a week after the boys went into the caves, which was why they thought they were safe, but the flash flood came early.

We have exactly the same type of rock and cave systems around me, and the tiled steps up to one of the nearby caves is like a waterslide for the local kids this time of year.