CHIANG RAI – On 14 November 2025 at 9.00 am, Mr Narasak Suksomboon, Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai, presided over the opening of the event “7th Anniversary of Tham Luang Rescue 2018, United as One”. The commemoration runs from 14 to 15 November 2025 at Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Non National Park (preparation area), Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai.
Government agencies, private organisations, and large numbers of local people joined the event to remember the dramatic rescue of the 13 members of the Wild Boars football team in 2018, an operation that drew attention from every corner of the world.
Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Non National Park was previously designated as a forest park. It lies within the Doi Nang Non National Reserved Forest, covering more than 12,000 rai. The landscape is karst terrain, with several important caves, such as Tham Liang Pha, Tham Phaya Nak, Tham Phra, and Tham Luang.
Tham Luang is the site where the Wild Boars team was trapped in 2018 after heavy rain from Tropical Storm “Mun” caused groundwater levels to rise quickly.
Strong floodwater surged into the cave passage, cutting off their exit. The 12 boys and their coach were unable to get out. Chiang Rai Province declared an emergency disaster relief zone and set up a search and rescue command centre from 23 June to 10 July 2018.
The operation brought together Thai and international agencies. Cave divers from the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Australia, Thai Navy SEALs, the United States Air Force, international rescue and medical teams, and thousands of volunteers joined forces.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn also extended support and encouragement to everyone involved throughout the mission. The rescue was completed on 10 July 2018.
This anniversary event is organised by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, together with the Protected Areas Regional Office 15 (Chiang Rai). The goal is to thank all sectors that played a part in the rescue, raise awareness of nature conservation, promote educational tourism, and help boost the local community economy.
The programme includes a worship ceremony for Chao Mae Nang Non, a memorial for those who sacrificed their lives, such as Mr Narongsak Osottanakorn (former Governor of Chiang Rai), Lieutenant Commander Saman Gunan (Sergeant Sam), and Lieutenant Beirut Pakbara. There is also a ceremony to pay respects to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, along with a documentary in her honour.
At the opening ceremony, a video presentation recapped the rescue operation. This was followed by Lanna cultural performances, “Natthaya Lanna” and “Chuan Aew Chiang Hai”. After that, the natural study route between Tham Liang Pha and Tham Phaya Nak was officially opened.
A discussion stage on “Tham Luang and Linked Tourism” allowed experts from several organisations to share their views, hosted by Mr Kae Yaowarat, a volunteer who joined the rescue, along with other representatives who took part in the mission. Visitors can also enjoy local food stalls, OTOP products, traditional Thai massage, and fun activities with souvenirs.
On 15 November 2025, the programme features screenings of a Tham Luang rescue documentary throughout the day, Lanna folk music, a performance of the song “Khun Khao Haeng Kan Ra Khoi” (Mountain of Waiting), shows by national park staff, exhibitions, and local product stalls.
This event not only marks a key moment in world history, but it also shares knowledge about nature and cave safety, and helps preserve the story so future generations will remember what happened at Tham Luang.
