The government will hold a "thank you" party at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok on Sept 6 for the more than 60,000 people involved in the rescue of the Moo Paa (Wild Boars) football team from flooded Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province.
PM's Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said yesterday the party would be from 6pm to 9pm. His Majesty the King had granted permission for the Royal Plaza to be used and would also provide food.
Twelve boys aged 11-16 years and their 25-year-old coach entered the large Tham Luang cave complex in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai after a training session on June 23.
They were trapped inside by a sudden rise of floodwater caused by torrential rain. Their safe extraction by Thai and foreign divers and backup teams is considered one of the most perilous cave rescues ever undertaken. It was finally completed on July 10.
The government is to invite all local and foreign people involved in the rescue. According to the Interior Ministry about 61,000 people from 53 provinces would attend the party, Mr Suwaphan said.
Invitations would also be sent to about 300 foreigners who played a role. Some of them live in Thailand, but others are based abroad, the minister said.
