Thailand cave rescue to be turned into Netflix series

The story of the dramatic rescue of 12 young football players and their coach from a cave in Thailand is due to be turned into a TV series, Netflix has said.

The streaming service says it has secured the rights to make a mini-series about the mission, which made headlines around the world last summer.

“The story combines so many unique local and universal themes which connected people from all walks of life, from all around the world,” said Erika North, Netflix‘s director of international originals.

:: Meet the 12 boys rescued from the Thai cave complex

“Thailand is a very important market for Netflix and we are looking forward to bringing this inspiring local, but globally resonant story… to life.”

The Wild Boars soccer team, aged between 11 and 16, and their 25-year-old coach became trapped while exploring the cave complex in the northern province of Chiang Rai on 23 June 2018.

It was rainy season, and a downpour flooded the tunnels as they were inside, leaving them with no way to get out.

Miraculously, all were found alive.

Eighteen days later, the boys were saved in a huge rescue operation involving specialist divers and Thai Navy SEALs, in a mission followed across the globe.

The race-against-time rescue undoubtedly provides a dramatic storyline for a series.

“We look forward to working with all involved parties to ensure our story is told accurately,” assistant coach Ekkapol “Ake” Chantapong said.

The mini-series will be directed by Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M Chu and Nattawut “Baz” Poonpiriya.

Netflix and SK Global Entertainment secured the rights from 13 Thamluang, a company established by the boys and their coach.

Two books about the rescue have already been published, and a feature film by British-Thai director Tom Waller, entitled The Cave, finished shooting in December, according to the Hollywood Reporter.