Huge painting in memory of Tham Luang rescue unveiled as “Wild Boars” boys prepare to go on foreign trip
A huge black and white water colour painting depicting all the Thai and foreign rescuers involved in the operation to rescue the 13 Wild Boar boys and their coach from Tham Luang cave is now put on display at the 333 Gallery in River City shopping mall from today.
The painter of this huge painting, which is 450 cm long and 120 cm wide, Mr Suvit Jaipom, president of Khow Silpa art association of Chiang Rai, said he painted the picture himself in order to remind the people not to forget the selfless sacrifices of both Thai and foreigners who joined in the rescue operation from June 23 to July 11.
He said although he joined national artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and several other Chiang Rai artists to paint another picture, titled The Heroes, he felt the urge to paint one of his own in memory of all the heroes involved in this dramatic mission, especially the late SEAL member Samarn Kunan, alisas Ja Sam, who died in the course of the rescue operation.
Suvit admitted that he had never painted such a huge picture on paper before, adding that the paper was specially ordered for this job.
Meanwhile, a religious ceremony was held Sunday morning at Wat That Doi Wao in Mae Sai district of the northern province of Chiang Rai in memory of Samarn Kunan.
The ceremony was attended by all the 12 members of the Wild Boar football team and their families, their coach, Samarn’s widow, Mrs Chuleeporn, and several local officials.
After the ceremony, parents of the boys and their coach went to nine other temples in the district to present alms to monks.
The boys and their coach are to leave for Buenos Aires, Argentina, to attend the Youth Olympic Games 2018 next week before continuing their trip to the US where they have been invited to appear in at least two talk shows.
