Netflix has revealed more cast members for its Limited Series adaptation of the extraordinary Tham Luang cave rescue story. Brought to screen by showrunners Dana Ledoux Miller and Michael Russell Gunn alongside directors “Baz” Nattawut Poonpiriya and Kevin Tancharoen, the Limited Series features a strong ensemble cast with “Beam” Papangkorn Lerkchaleampote starring as “Coach Ek”, while leading actress “Yaya” Urassaya Sperbund takes the role of “Kelly”, a Thai-American hydrology expert who aids greatly in the rescue effort.
Joining this ensemble are “Ake” Thaneth Warakolnukroh as Governor Narongsak Osottanakorn; “Doughnut” Manatsanun Phanlerdwongsakul as “Pim”, a park ranger supporting the mission; “Bloom” Varintorn Yaroojjanont as Colonel Dr. Phak Lohanchun aka “Dr. Phak”, a Royal Thai Army doctor who cross-trained as a SEAL and used his medical expertise and affable personality to monitor and prepare the Wild Boars for their potential extraction; and “Nong” Tanapol Chuksrida as Admiral Appakorn Yookongkaew, a SEAL commander for this rescue operation. The role of Lieutenant-Commander Saman Kunan or “Ja Sam”, a former Navy SEAL and real-life hero of the rescue mission, is filled by “Tok” Suppakorn Kitsuwan – whose off-screen wife “Oui” Tusrin Punpae will portray Ja Sam’s wife Waleeporn Kunan.
The expanded cast will also include “Nancy” Darina Boonchu, “Fresh” Arisara Wongchalee and more.
The Limited Series is based on the true story of 12 young footballers and their coach – known as the Wild Boars – as they were rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand in a gripping two-week operation in 2018. The series is developed in partnership with SK Global, and executive producers include John Penotti for SK Global; Jon M. Chu and Lance Johnson for Electric Somewhere; John Logan Pierson; and Tim Coddington. Principal photography will primarily take place on location in Thailand with the series planned for a global Netflix release in 2022.