On 15 September 2018, Mr. Pisanu Suvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom, hosted a garden reception to thank a team of divers from the British Cave Rescue Council on the successful mission to rescue the Wild Boar youth soccer team in Tham Luang, Thailand. The event was attended by around 100 guests who were Friends of Thailand from different sectors in the UK, as well as Team Thailand in the UK, Thai businesses, and the media.

The Ambassador thanked the BCRC team for their selfless efforts to help the 13 members of the Wild Boar youth soccer team, trapped in the flooded cave, back to safety. Such mission was a mission of humanity which must be honoured.  The people of Thailand will cherish and always keep it in their fond memory. This truely reflects the close and cordial tie between Thailand and the UK, for which we would help each other in time of need. 

Mr. Bill Whitehouse, BCRC Vice Chairman, briefed the audience about the BCRC, how it was created and funded, and its missions and operations, whose successful rescue efforts relied on unique skills of its members, as well as the support from relevant authorities such as the police and network of regional cave rescue organisations.  For this mission in Thailand, the BCRC thanked the Royal Thai Embassy, Thai Airways, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and other relevant Thai authorities, for their coordinated and efficient support which led to a successful mission.

Mr. Richard Stanton shared with the audience his experience and memory from Tham Luang, since the moment he received an emergency alert from the BCRC, support from the Embassy and Thai Airways to fly him and his team urgently to Thailand, a warm welcome and strong support from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Thai Navy Seal, and other Thai authorities, close cooperation from other international divers.  He was also impressed by the will power and fighting spirit of the 12 boys and their coach to stay positive during the time of great distress. The BCRC team commended the heroic action by Saman Gunan, the Thai Navy Seal, who lost his life trying to save the others -- a true hero.

The BCRC members and guests enjoyed the evening, with delicious Thai food and drinks. More importantly, they enjoyed friendly talk and sharing stories about Thailand and the UK, which truely reflects longstanding relations between our two countries and peoples.