Cave Rescue 2: Exploitation flick on the way
The 13 members of the Wild Boars have gone home to their loved ones. That, however, is not the end of their story. There will be more stories to tell, movies to make as well as a museum to build and a new “world class” tourist destination to create.
For two whole weeks, the world was transfixed by the ordeal of the 12 young footballers and their assistant coach trapped inside the labyrinthine cave of Tham Luang in Chiang Rai.
Immediately following the conclusion of the cave drama, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports floated an idea to turn Tham Luang into a “world class” tourist destination.
The idea was not unexpected. The dramatic events surrounding the trapped boys and their coach ensure the story will continue to fascinate people.
It’s perfect material for a true-life movie, and it opens up opportunities for further exploitation, officially or otherwise.
Officially, plans have also been cited to create a museum dedicated to the story of the trapped boys complete with a memorial for the ex-Navy Seal who tragically died during the rescue operation.
Tham Luang has been a tourist attraction in its own right, but was only known among locals and a small number of tourists. Now the whole world is aware of its existence and there’s a good reason for many to want to visit.
Not surprisingly, the business sector is enthusiastic. Locals have reported that some nimble minds have already approached them to inquire about purchasing their land. Land prices are reported to be moving up.
There’s a buzz of excitement among locals. Many want to see their area developed like other popular attractions where resorts, hotels, restaurants and shops have sprung up to cater to tourists who are expected to flood the cave, much like the water that trapped the Wild Boars.
Prospects of new jobs and extra income dance in their eyes. All they ask for is that they are given access to a share of the lucrative pie.
The cave complex is situated within the 5,000-rai Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park.
The Department of National Parks, Wild Life and Plant Conservation is looking at an upgrade to make it a national park but it needs to incorporate an additional 5,000 rai of forest land to be eligible.
If the plan to make the cave a new
tourist destination is realised, the department will have to play a major role.
A group of conservationists are now fretting about the plan. They have expressed concern ever since the rescue operation started diverting water from several streams, dredging underground aquifers and pumping out water from the cave.
Probing and digging work was also conducted on the mountain covering the cave to find alternate escape routes.
National park officials reported the cave and its natural surrounding suffered severe damage from the rescue operation. But they say plans are in place to put things to rights and the cave complex will be closed to visitors for the duration.
Conservationists point out that cave ecology is as unique and fragile as living beings live mostly in darkness, and thus evolve in a relatively isolated environment.
Nonn Panitvong, a conservation biologist who researched cave ecology for his PhD, suggests a biological survey be undertaken to identify vulnerable species as part of a tourism development
plan since no such survey has been undertaken.
He is particularly concerned about animals that are permanent or semi-permanent residents, including bats, geckos and aquatic cave isopods.
“The bat population was probably scared away during the rescue,” he said. “Any changes as a result of tourism will have an impact on all species there.”
The introduction of artificial light into the cave presents a grave concern.
“The uniqueness of caves, obviously, is darkness,” Mr Nonn said. “We don’t want
to have too much light in there.”
Certain features may be highlighted with low light but care must be taken to avoid lighting up areas where cave animals take residence, he added.
Meanwhile, the natural environment of the cave entrance should be maintained because this is where young animals such as geckos usually live, and any structural development should take place a safe distance away.
Even tiny substrate living things are a matter of concern and they could be affected by development inside the cave.
What this boils down to is that it is taken for granted that tourism development is inevitable and with it change to the environment, not to mention the local way of life.
I must admit the idea of developing a natural resource into a tourist attraction always fills me with dread.
The history of tourism development in this country does not inspire much confidence. How many places have we seen being developed until they sank into the ground, figuratively speaking? Too many to count.
As much as I hate to see it, I guess as certain as change itself, mass tourism will come to Tham Luang.
And as long as policymakers focus on gross quantity rather than quality and short-term gain rather than long-term benefits, Tham Luang will meet the same fate as all the other attractions in Thailand.
So all I can say is “Goodbye Tham Luang. I wish you luck!”
Tham Luang will meet the same fate as all other attractions in Thailand.