New Delhi, Oct. 18: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met members and representatives of Thailand’s Wild Boars Football Academy in Bangkok, including survivors of the 2018 Tham Luang cave incident.
The incident involved 12 boys aged between 11 and 16 and their assistant coach, who were trapped in a flooded cave for up to 17 days before an international rescue operation brought them to safety.
Nirmala Sitharaman Praises Courage and International Cooperation
Those present included assistant coach Ekapol Chanthawong and Chanin Wibunrungrueang, known as Titan, who was the youngest member of the football team at the time. Nopparat Kanthawong, the academy’s head coach during the incident, and public relations representative Noppadol Kanthawong also attended the meeting.
Nirmala Sitharaman said the rescue brought together Thai authorities, international specialists, medical teams and volunteers in an extraordinary humanitarian effort. She described their work as a testament to courage, resilience and cooperation across borders.
The Finance Minister also acknowledged the survivors’ experiences and expressed gratitude to Lord Buddha for protecting the young lives during the ordeal.
Noting that the team members practise Theravada Buddhism, Sitharaman invited them to visit India, particularly Bodh Gaya in Bihar and Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh.
The team members welcomed the invitation and expressed interest in visiting India soon, according to the Finance Minister’s post on X.
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