The discovery of the young boys in the cave is a huge relief.
That they have been found is a marvel and everyone must thank the Herculean efforts of the multinational team of rescuers who defied the odds to save them.
We must also give thanks to modern technology which helped track the youngsters. Now, we pray that the boys can come out safely and be reunited with their families.
The combined prayers of all Thais have saved these children. Thailand has steadfastly stood by its citizens and the determination to find these children serves as an example to the rest of the world.
The leaders, divers, and seals from the UK, US, Australia, China and Thailand worked together to save the children.
There is a lesson in this. Leaders from various countries should also forge together to solve problems ranging from nuclear disarmament, poverty, HIV and cancer. This is possible.
Rajendra Aneja
Rescue a risky affair
Anmar Mirza, coordinator of the National Cave Rescue Commission of the US, mentioned on CNN that getting trapped people out of a flooded cave can be one of the easiest -- or one of the toughest -- types of cave rescue.
The success of such an operation hinges on a well-thought-out plan based on factors appropriate to the particular situation.
According to Mr Mirza, the primary options for the Tham Luang case in Thailand are:
First, and by far the most dangerous option, is trying to teach the trapped boys enough diving skills so they can dive out. However, this is a strenuous task that only skilled cave divers with hundreds of hours of training are capable of.
The second option is to drill an entrance using heavy equipment. This method, however, is like hitting a needle in the haystack.
The last option is to wait for water levels to go down. This will take months since the monsoon season is just beginning. Utilising this option might result in some of the boys getting sick as a result of living in damp conditions without adequate space or sunlight.
Hence, taking the boys out of the cave will inevitably involve a certain level of risk -- no matter which method we choose to utilise.
Chavalit Wannawijitr
Cops lose their marbles
There used to be a Canadian TV comedy called The Great Canadian Air Farce. I think the Thai police should be renamed to "The Royal Thai Police Farce" as well. When I read a report that they are considering charging the 25-year-old soccer coach trapped in the cave along with the boys, I knew these cops had lost their marbles.
What can we expect next from those overweight boys in brown, stuffed into their tight uniforms covered with tinsel, bedecked with row upon row of medals?
David James Wong
Three-wheeled crime?
I wonder if someone could explain to me why I am penalised every time I am stopped by the police during a roadside check. My crime? I am riding a three-wheeled bike. Made by Ozimoto in Pattaya, these bikes have been modified to have two wheels at the back and one on the front.
I choose to use this bike because I am horrified by the standard of driving on Thai roads and decided this bike was the safest option. When I am stopped, every time the standard police response is to tell me that as I can walk that I do not need three wheels. I am provided with no explanation of the crime I have committed. Instead, I am simply given a blank piece of paper and then it is up to the person behind the desk to decide the amount to be paid. All of this despite having a clean licence for over 50 years.
There are thousands of three-wheel bikes on the roads but because they have a little sidecar attached, well that's okay then! Go figure. I want to be as safe and secure as I can on these very dangerous, unpredictable roads and the attitude of the police really doesn't help.
Jane Bishop
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