CHIANG RAI: Large crowds thronged the Tham Luang cave site on Saturday to take part in a major cleanup campaign following the successful rescue of the Wild Boars football team.
More than 4,000 people across Chiang Rai province registered to join the two-day effort that will continue on Sunday.
The site in Mae Sai district is in need of major restoration after serving as a base for hundreds of local and international rescue volunteers, support staff, officials and media during an operation that transfixed the world ever since the 12 boys and their coach became stranded in the cave on June 23.
Five locations in the compound of Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park, in which Tham Luang cave is situated, are being rehabilitated as part of the "Big Cleaning Day" campaign.
Chiang Rai governor Prajon Pratsakul will hold a merit-making ceremony on Monday for former Navy Seal Saman Gunan, who died during the cave rescue mission. Buddhist monks will perform a religious ceremony in front of the cave.
Sripan Wongsai, one of those who registered to join the cleaning campaign, said she was delighted to be able to join the activity.
After the cleanup event, the cave will be closed for six months, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. It has earmarked 42 million baht for rehabilitation of the area, which will include converting a portion of the cave into a museum.
More than 4,000 people register for the cleanup activity at the cave rescue site in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai. (Photo by Theerawat Khamthita)
Thais and foreign nationals join the cleanup campaign that will continue on Sunday. (Photo by Theerawat Khamthita)
(Photo by Theerawat Khamthita)