The government will stage the “United as One” party on Aug 1 to thank everyone who took part in and helped with the rescue mission of 12 young footballers and their coach from the Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai.
The party will be held at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok from 6-9pm after His Majesty the King granted permission for the use of the venue, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said on Saturday.
Several thousand people are expected to attend, including the prime minister and all cabinet ministers.
The plight of the Wild Boars football team gripped the world after the boys and their coach became trapped in the cave in Mae Sai on June 23. An army of experts from many countries was mobilised to bring them out, supported by hundreds more people doing everything from cooking to laundry.
Invitations will be sent to everyone involved with the mission, as well as to individual volunteers.
"The names will come from the registration book at the cave. The wife of the late Lt Cdr Samarn Kunan who lost his life during the mission will also be invited," Mr Suwaphan said.
Also invited will be foreigners, ambassadors and military attaches, with a list to be provided by the Foreign Ministry, he added.
The third group comprises members of Thai and international media who reported from the site. The Public Relations Department will prepare their names.
The fourth group includes the many people who helped behind the scenes, such as farmers who allowed their fields to be inundated by water pumped out of the cave, volunteers who provided transport, laundry and massage services. Their names will be provided by provincial administrations and organisations. They will be provided with transport and lodging in Bangkok.
The food served will be cocktail-style provided by His Majesty and the government. Some tables will also be prepared.
Meanwhile, the armed forces have been reviewing the lessons learned during the rescue operation in order to improve preparedness for future emergencies.
Army chief Chalermchai Sittisart ordered units involved in the Tham Luang operation to detail equipment usage, personnel management and search and rescue capabilities so that the information can be used improve future operations and upgrade the capacity of the army in providing relief.
Col Sirichan Ngathong, a deputy army spokesperson, said Gen Chalermchai wanted to improve the skills of army personnel and increase the number of specialists.
A seminar will be held in Lop Buri to gather information that would help guide future missions, Col Sirichan said.
