It's official now. The Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai, where the rescue operation of 12 young footballers and their coach captivated a global audience in 2018, has been placed on the tourist map.
A large number of tourists have visited the cave, which was known mostly among locals until the rescue operation that involved international experts joining hands with their Thai counterparts during the 13 days that the football team was trapped in the underground network.
The official reopening, presided over by the minister of Natural Resources and the environment, was held on Oct 5. Previously, the cave was closed for cleaning up and landscaping.
There is a statue of Petty Officer 1st Class Saman Kunan, 37, also known as "Ja Sam", who died during the throes of a rescue mission which was carried out in extremely dangerous conditions. The making of the double life-size statue was spearheaded by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, a native of Chiang Rai. He also kicked off a plan to have a museum dedicated to the rescue efforts.
But people should be aware that Tham Luang cave, which is part of the Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in Mae Sai district, is not just a picturesque site for selfies. The cave now has its own unique human history. Volunteers, local and foreign divers and cave explorers, worked undauntedly against time, risking their lives in a bid to rescue a group who were strangers to them.
This is a golden opportunity to share a heart-warming story with the world that has now been adapted into a movie. These young footballers have also travelled the world telling their story.
It has been local business, including the Chiang Rai Chamber of Commerce, that took the lead in developing the area as a tourist spot, providing accommodation, transport from Mae Sai district to the cave as well as tourist facilities, including an observation tower, souvenir shops and trekking trails.
It is reported that more than a million tourists have visited the cave in recent months. Authorities believe the cave has the potential for more.
However, it will require help from the government to elevate it into a world-class tourist destination. It's selling points go beyond the beautiful landscape. Instead, it is the stories behind the tough rescue operation involving renowned experts that should be told to the world. What inspired them to be part of the difficult mission? Why did they risk their lives to save the unknown footballers?
Many others also volunteered their help in various forms, at their own expense.
The rescue drama under the leadership of then Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osotthanakorn was a model of crisis management -- turning something deemed impossible into the achievable. The governor, who was later transferred to neighbouring Phayao, emerged as a national hero.
We should look beyond income from tourism and economic development. At the heart of the Tham Luang saga, it is the humanity, sacrifice and gratitude, that make the story an unforgettable one.
Nauvarat Suksamran is assistant news editor, Bangkok Post.