With the boys and their coach safe, it was time to appease the 'jao mae tham', the goddess of the Tham Luang cave.
While predominantly Buddhist, many Thais embrace animist beliefs in spirits that live in the forests, trees and caves.
Monks, the boys' families, the rescue commander, military brass and thousands of volunteers gathered to give thanks for the lives saved and to ask forgiveness for the intrusion of pumps, ropes and people as they brought out the Wild Boars soccer team.
Pig heads
The families of the rescued boys chipped into buy pigs' heads — a traditional offering — that sat with chickens, fish and flower arrangements.
Narongsak lights candle
Rescue commander Narongsak Ossathanakon lit candles. In the background, a tribute to the former Navy SEAL Saman Gunan, who died while resupplying air tanks in the cave.
Volunteers
Thousands of volunteers helped cook, clean and direct traffic during the 18-day search and rescue, dressed in colours associated with Thailand's king.
Danger sign
A new security fence has been built, with Tham Luang officially off limits until January. That's well past the end of the monsoon season, but officials are allowing time for the flooded cave to drain.
