“The Heroes”, the 13×3 metres canvas painting which tells the story of the dramatic rescue of 12 Wild Boars boys and their football coach from Tham Luang cave in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai, was unveiled yesterday by national artist Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat and Mr Suvit Jaipom, president of Khua Silpa Association.
Many Thai and foreign tourists were on hand to witness the unveiling of the canvas painting undertaken by Mr Chalermchai and several other artists in dedication to the rescuers, the 13 survivors and, especially to Lt Commander Samarn Kunan, a former Navy SEAL who died while taking part in the rescue operation in the cave.
The national artist said that the painting would put on public display at the Khua Silpa Association for about a month or, probably, 15 days because of the rains during the rainy season which might cause damage to the painting.
On longer-term, the painting will be exhibited at a museum to be built in front of the Tham Luang cave entrance where a statue of the late Lt Commander Samarn will also be put up there.
Chalermchai said that statue would take between 4-5 months to be completed whereas the construction a pavilion which is to be used as a museum.
The national artist earlier said that he would take care of the expenses for the construction of the pavilion and the statue without any government support.
He said he would print copies of the painting and publish a book about the rescue operation for sale to members of the public to raise fund for the construction projects at Tham Luang cave.
