The Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Non in Chiang Rai province which has been closed for renovation to restore its natural environment following the dramatic rescue operations to save the lives of the 13 Wild Boar boys and their coach will be officially re-opened to the public on December 1.

Deputy director-general of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Mr Chongklai Worapongsathorn, however, said that only the tourists’ spots or surrounding areas of the well-known cave, including the crystal clear pond, would be open to tourists.

The cave, he said, is still off-limits to outsiders because it is still flooded and that there are still many rescue equipment inside the cave which are yet to be recovered.

Chongklai said officials of the Department of Mineral Resources would conduct a survey of the cave once water in the cave has subsided and to set a zone which is safe enough for tourists to visit.

While the surrounding areas of the Tham Luang cave are yet to be officially opened, an average of 500-1,000 people visit the areas which is within the Tham Luang national park on normal days and more than 3,000 visitors during weekends.