Bangkok, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
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, in which 12 boys aged between 11 and 16 and their assistant coach were trapped for up to 17 days.
Among those present were Ekapol Chanthawong, the assistant coach at the time who helped keep the boys calm and maintain their morale during the ordeal, and Chanin Wibunrungrueang, popularly known as Titan, who was just 11 years old and the youngest of the 12 footballers trapped in the cave.
“The rescue of all 12 boys and their coach from the flooded cave brought together Thai authorities, international specialists, medical teams and volunteers in an extraordinary humanitarian effort. Their remarkable story of survival and the selfless efforts of those who brought them to safety remain an enduring testament to courage, human resilience and cooperation beyond borders,” Sitharaman said in a post on X.
Nopparat Kanthawong, known as Coach Nop, who was the academy’s head coach at the time and assisted the rescue operation from outside the cave, was also present. Noppadol Kanthawong, known as Coach Dol, the academy’s public relations representative and younger brother of Nopparat, also attended the meeting, the Finance Minister said.
The team members shared their experiences and perspectives on the Tham Luang cave ordeal during the interaction.
Sitharaman commended their courage and determination and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Lord Buddha for his blessings and for protecting the young lives throughout the ordeal.
Noting that the team members practise Theravada Buddhism, she invited them to visit India, particularly Bodh Gaya in Bihar, a site of immense significance to Buddhists worldwide, and Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh, according to her post.
The team members warmly accepted the invitation and expressed their eagerness to visit India soon, the Finance Minister said.
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