Netflix has confirmed an Australian premiere date for its upcoming series Thai Cave Rescue.
Inspired by the incredible news that captivated the world, Thai Cave Rescue: Limited Series tells the untold stories of the Thai youth soccer team and their coach who got trapped in one of the most dangerous cave systems on Earth.
The drama revisits the extraordinary efforts by their families, the people of Thailand, and volunteers from all over the world as they work together to fight against both nature and time to save the team.
The series is a Thai-international production, created by veteran Hollywood screenwriters, produced by the team behind Crazy Rich Asians, directed by Baz Poonpiriya & Kevin Tancharoen.
Thai Cave Rescue stars an expansive Thai cast led by Papangkorn “Beam” Lerkchaleampote as Coach Eak, Thaneth “Ek” Warakulnukroh as Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osottanakorn, and Urassaya “Yaya” Sperbund and Manatsanun “Donut” Phanlerdwongsakul as Kelly and Pim — fictional representatives of the real-world hydraulic engineers and park rangers that made the incredible rescue possible.
Supakorn “Tok” Kitsuwan also joins the cast as former Navy SEAL diver Saman “Ja Sam” Gunan, while Bloom Varin plays army doctor Colonel Bhak Loharjun.
Further underlining the focus on authenticity is the casting of the 12 Wild Boars, who are played by local boys Pratya “Tiger” Patong, Songpol “Pangpon” Kantawong, Chakkapat “Junior” Sisat, Thanawut “Bank” Chetuku, Teeraphat “Gun”‘ Somkaew, Thanaphong “Pluem” Kanthawong, Thanapat “Utha” Phungpumkaew, Aphisit “Fluke” Yookham, Watcharaphol “Kim” Puangsawan, Thapanot “Nam-Ning” Huttapasu, Apisit “Chit” Saengchan, and Rattaphoom “Fluke” Nakeesathid. Filming took place at the homes of the real boys and Tham Luang itself.
As with the real mission, Thai Cave Rescue has assembled a cast of international actors to portray key contributors in this rescue, including Nicholas Bell as Vern Unsworth, Nicholas Farnell as John Volanthen, Christopher Stollery as Rick Stanton, Rodger Corser as Dr. Richard “Harry” Harris, and Damon Herriman as Dr. Craig Challen.
Created by Michael Russell Gunn (Billions, Designated Survivor) and Dana Ledoux Miller (Designated Survivor, Narcos), the six-episode limited series is directed by Baz Poonpiriya (One for the Road, Bad Genius) and Kevin Tancharoen (The Brothers Sun, The Book of Boba Fett, Warrior) and showcases a dramatized retelling of the astonishing rescue that gripped the world in 2018.
Both directors also serve as executive producers alongside Jon M. Chu (In the Heights, Crazy Rich Asians, G.I. Joe: Retaliation) for Electric Somewhere; John Penotti (Crazy Rich Asians) for SK Global Entertainment; John Logan Pierson (Spenser Confidential, Patriots Day, Dare Me); Lance Johnson (Troop Zero, The Equalizer); and Tim Coddington (Mulan, Crazy Rich Asians, Marco Polo).
