CHIANG RAI, March 18 (TNA) – Tham Luang cave, the scene
of the dramatic international rescue mission last July, is closed to all
visitors from March 18 to 20 to allow Thai Navy SEALs to recover their
equipment inside.
Head of Tham Luang – Khun Nam Nang Non National park Kavee
Prasomphol said after a survey on January the Navy Seals would retrieve wires,
air pipe, oxygen tanks and other equipment left inside the cave complex.
The Navy Seals led an army of rescuers and volunteers in the
mission to extract 12 young footballers and their coach from the cave between
June 23 and July 11 last year.
Kavee said most of the equipment had been left in the third
chamber since the operation ended. As
the water receded to safe level, they would be removed. 
The 13 members of the local Moo Pa Mae Sai Academy football
team were trapped inside the complex cave system by sudden flooding after their
training. The rescue mission and their
plight captivated Thailand and the world.
During the closure, the areas surrounding the cave,
including the newly-built museum and monument, remained open to the public,
Kavee said.
Most of the gears would be returned to owners but some would
be displayed at the museum, he said. (TNA)
