CAVE RESCUE
Who are the Thai boys who were trapped in a cave, what’s their Netflix series called, and how are they doing since their rescue?
THE world was gripped by the story of 12 youth football players in Thailand who became trapped inside a flooded cave along with their coach.
They drifted into the Tham Luang Nang Non cave on June 23.
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How many boys were trapped inside Tham Luang Nang Non cave?
A group of 12 youngsters from the Wild Boars football club plus their 25-year-old coach went in to explore the cave on June 23.
But monsoon flooding cut off their escape and prevented rescuers from finding them for almost 10 days.
The first four boys were rescued on July 8 at around 6pm local time, and were taken to a field hospital near the cave.
Shortly before 8 p.m., the Thai Navy SEALs reported on their official Facebook page that four had been rescued.
A second rescue phase began on July 9 and a further four boys were rescued.
The third day of the mission successfully took place today, leading to the rescue of the final group of boys and their coach.
How were the boys and their coach rescued?
A team of 90 expert divers - 40 from Thailand and 50 from overseas - worked in the Tham Luang caves to get the boys and their coach out safely.
The divers guided the boys and their coach through darkness and submerged passageways towards the entrance to the cave system.
The rescue process included walking, wading, climbing and diving using guide ropes.
Wearing full-face masks, which are easier for novice divers, each boy was accompanied by two divers, who also carried his air supply.
The toughest part of the escape was at a section named "T-Junction" or "choke spot", which was so tight that the divers had to take off their air tanks to get through.
After the tight spot, a cavern called Chamber 3 was turned into a forward base for the divers.
The boys could rest there before walking out to the entrance of the cave, where they were then taken to hospital in Chiang Rai.
They were rescued in stages between Sunday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 10, when the final four boys and coach emerged to safety.
On July 18, the boys left hospital and made their first public appearance, recounting their "miracle" survival story in front of the media.
Doctors took the first two questions, saying the 13 were healthy in body and mind, and revealing the boys gained around 3 kg on average in the days following their rescue.
The boys joked how they thought they had “dug to England” when they heard the voice of a Brit diver who had come to rescue them.
What is the title of their Netflix film?
In April 2019, it emerged that Netflix had secured the rights to make a mini-series on the dramatic rescue.
There is still no confirmation on what the title of the show will be although Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu and Thai filmmaker Nattawut "Baz" Poonpiriya are both on board to helm episodes.
The US streaming giant had to go through the Thai government to get permission to speak to the survivors of the remarkable rescue.
Netflix's Erika North said: "The story combines so many unique local and universal themes which connected people from all walks of life, from all around the world.
"Thailand is a very important market for Netflix and we are looking forward to bringing this inspiring local, but globally resonant story to life.”
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Who are the trapped Thai boys?
The boys are all from a youth football team called the Wild Boars.
They come from schools across the Chiang Rai province of northern Thailand.
Here's what we know about the boys and their coach.
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Chanin Vibulrungruang, 11 (Nickname: Titan) - started playing football aged seven
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Panumas Sangdee, 13 (Nickname: Mig) - Wrote to his parents: "The Navy Seals are taking good care of me"
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Duganpet Promtep, 13 (Nickname: Dom) - Captain of the Wild Boars, reportedly scouted by several Thai professional clubs
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Somepong Jaiwong, 13 (nickname: Pong) - Reportedly dreams of playing for the Thai national team
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Mongkol Booneiam, 13 (nickname: Mark) - Described by his teacher as a "very respectful and good child"
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Nattawut Thakhamsai, 14 (nickname: Tern) - Told his parents not to worry about him
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Ekarat Wongsukchan, 14 (nickname: Bew) - Promised his mother he would help her at the shop once he was rescued
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Adul Sam-on, 14 - Member of a volleyball team that came second in the North Thailand-wide tournament. ";Face" of the rescue and English-speaker
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Prajak Sutham, 15 (nickname: Note) - Described by family friends as a "smart, quiet guy"
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Phipat Phothi, 15 (nickname: Nick) - Wrote in his letter he wanted his parents to take him for barbecued food once rescued
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Pornchai Kamluang, 16 (nickname: Tee) - Told his parents "don't worry, I'm very happy"
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Peerapat Sompiangjai, 17 (nickname: Night) - It was his birthday the day the boys went missing, and his parents have told him they are still waiting to hold his birthday party
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Akkapol Chanthawong, 25 (nickname Eak), coach - Ahead of the rescue, the boys' coach sent a letter to parents apologising for their ordeal. He wrote: "All the kids are fine. There are people taking really good care of them. I promise I will take care of the children the best I can. Thank you for your support. I'm really sorry to the parents".
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Did anyone die trying to save them?
An elite Navy SEAL rescue diver died on July 5, 2018, during an attempt to save the trapped group.
The Thai hero, named as Saman Kunan passed away after suffering a lack of oxygen as he attempted to swim back through the underground labyrinth after taking essential supplies to the school kids and their football coach.
Local reports claim he died as he lay oxygen tanks along a potential exit route, according to comments made by a SEAL commander.
MORE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Have we heard from the families yet?
Aisha Wiboonrungrueng, the mother of 11-year-old Chanin Wiboonrungrueng, smiled and hugged her family as news of their discovery spread.
She said she would cook her son a Thai omelette, his favourite food, when he returns home.
Dozens of images also emerged showing the families celebrating as news of the boys' discovery was reported.
On July 18 the boys left hospital after posing for a photo in their football kit.
In October 2018 the boys attended Manchester United vs Everton as guests of the Old Trafford club.
They all watched the game, which United won 2-1, from the directors box in United shirts and scarves.
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