When a cave makes the news for being the site of a tragic incident involving the distress of children and death of a person, you’d think people would stay away. The Tham Luang cave in Thailand, however, where 12 members of a youth soccer team and their coach were trapped earlier this year for 17 days, has reopened, and it’s become a hotspot for tourists.

Tham Luang Nang Non cave network in Thailand during the rescue event of 12 members of a junior football team

Photo: Jig Evil/Shutterstock

Located in Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non forest park in Chiang Rai, the cave complex reopened on November 16th, with over 100 kiosks now lining the road to the entrance, selling food, T-shirts, and other souvenirs. Tourists aren’t being allowed inside the Tham Luang cave complex, but other caves in the park can be explored by visitors.

The incident involving the soccer team captivated the world. While exploring the cave, the “Wild Boars” soccer team — composed of boys aged 11 to 16 — was trapped when downpours flooded the tunnels. They were eventually found deep inside the cave on a muddy bank, but not before a diver died in the rescue attempt. A museum is currently being constructed to commemorate the rescue, as well as a tented resort for visitors near the park’s entrance.

H/T: Lonely Planet

What did you think of this article?