Thailand cave rescue: Meet the volunteer helpers - BBC News

Volunteers moved by the plight of the 12 boys trapped in a cave in Thailand describe how they are helping rescue teams.
Video producers: Mohamed Madi, Watchiranont Thongtep, Panupong Changchai
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[@shirleypilger1705]

Okay, BBC, you finally got to me. Showing the hundreds of unsung heros working to save the lives of those precious boys and their coach. These are the ones that make sure the rescue teams can do the work they have to do to make a rescue possible. The usually unsung heros who work tirelessly, day in and day out. I cried a little and smiled much.

[@WolfGrrl1]

They're doing it for publicity.

[@aimer3042]

@WolfGrrl If you got nothing better to say, no one will consider you as a mute. Stop being a Naysayers in a midst of a crisis. Gosh, have some humility.

[@voltage5333]

Shirley pilger yeah and they put ads on the video

[@Deano-Dron81]

@@WolfGrrl1At least the Brits and Aussies helped with the rescue. The Americans tried their best to show these kids multiple times on their shows and never mention the rescue mission. Everything about them is power, greed and to be the best. If they saved them, they would have talked about it for days. I’d take the BBC over them lot any day. (Sorry. I’m years late btw) I’ve just learnt about it today and watched many videos) It’s remarkable and almost a miracle and testament for them young lads to hold on so long. 🙏🙏

[@Roundup24]

There is unity in thailand. People from other countries should learn from them

[@walkingblueraven4088]

Nyemlang Wanglim ... Definitely, everyone can learn from the people and situation ... PAY ATTENTION PEOPLE & LEARN!

[@syedeyad7127]

Nyemlang Wanglim

[@PopularTymn]

peter grahame : You mentioned just the incidents but ignore the cause of problems. Thailand faced the influence of Super powers for a long time. Recently from a few decades, many Thais knew that every events were from Super powers intrusion that commanded by their beneficial policies. It's not necessary to say who are Super powers, you can get the clues on your own.

[@zam023]

Agent of the devil detected.

[@PopularTymn]

You said like people who were mandated by western for a long time, these people would have narrowed mind. They might think that Super power is just Western but in reality there are also Eastern Super powers. Both of them always secretly involve in small country's activity for their own profit.

[@orgorg9926]

ชอบที่มุสลิมพูดถึงพุทธศาสนิก อยู่เมืองไทยมันต้องแบบนี้ ไม่ว่าศาสนาใดต้องรักกันไว้

[@cutiepony3625]

Org Org ช่ายย ทุกคนคือคนไทย

[@jananonlertvilai9212]

มุสลิมะที่ดีมีเยอะ แต่ไอ้พวกเปรตเหี้ยหีหมูบางตัวที่เอาใจนาจิบ รวมขบวนการโจรใต้นี่เเหละคือกบฎปีศาจจากนรกที่ต้องกำจัดให้สิ้นซาก ญาติผู้ใหญ่ผมก็เป็นอิสลาม เค้าก็เกลียดไอ้กบฎพวกนี้

[@napapatpatammanan5838]

ใช่ค่ะ

[@lacountess]

How amazing for a country that their historic moment isn’t part of a war or a coup, but the nation coming together with the rest of the world to save a group of children.

[@astri5382]

lacountess ➡ that's the beauty of being a world citizen and human being.. we help each others no matter what the background is

[@cutiepony3625]

lacountess Thank you from Thailand.🇹🇭❤❤

[@ejoy78]

Well said! It is a wonderful, beautiful example of unity and cooperation! Love the Thai people!

[@TheAgukala]

This IS Thailand ya’ll. This is the beauty of this gorgeous place-it’s people. As a tourist, there isn’t another place that’s as amazing as Thailand is. It’s people are kind, generous and have nothing but smiles.

[@ths.6935]

TheAgukala Thank you

[@THA-709]

🙏🏻😀Thank you🇹🇭

[@lunarisyoutube]

Last part is my favourite. It shows how people with different believes can be well connected and get miracle done together. As a Thai, I'm so proud to say these is our people.

[@KeithAng84]

Chaiyo Chaiyo Chaiyo!

[@richardling7088]

"I dont have the ability to bring the kids out directly but what I can do is wash these clothes" ***CLAP CLAP CLAP*** You are awesome

[@renalcoco6388]

Humanity at its best

[@CalipsoCareline]

Over 5.000 volunteers worked in this rescue. We, from all over the world can only say "thank you". Thailand showed us what love you can do.

[@jomontanee]

All of them are a part of "HEROES" army. They will be in my heart forever. Thank you BBC for shining the lights to these unsung heroes. (Anyway, in my country Thailand, these unsung heroes are not unsung, their activities are shared around and mentioned by Thai social medias everyday. We are so grateful and appreciate them all.)

[@sammi-joreviews1135]

Jo Montanee That is wonderful to hear. I'm sure these amazing men & women will never say the words, but I do hope they know just how much their assistance is appreciated & sorely needed. I'm in the US (I have a niece who lives & works in Thailand), and would appreciate it if you can share a note of thanks for the many volunteers there on the ground who are making things easier for the men & women working so diligently to get these boys & their coach out of the caves. 💕👍

[@katakatakunta]

One day, please guide me to visit that muslim family who provide the meals. I want to learn from them. In Indonesia, we also have majority of muslim and live together with people with different faiths. What that family does reminds us how beautiful living together peacefully. We Indonesian and Thai should promote this kind of unity to the world.

[@akethai2531]

Jo Montanee ไม่เห็นคุณโจ ทางทีวีมานานแล้ว มาเจอทางคอมเม้นท์ใน YT แทน สวัสดีครับ

[@jomontanee]

Wongrawee, สวัสดีค่าา และขอบคุณมากๆ ----พี่โจออก TPBS บ่อยเลยค่ะ ถ้าช่องอื่นก็ช่วงข่าวหรือรายการเชิงข่าวที่ไม่ใช่บันเทิงค่ะ

[@jomontanee]

@katakatakunta For Muslim who volunteered cooking, please kindly check the link. It shows the name and last name that you can contact. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGWohnmNaqeLr9E

[@bethlehem80]

I love you Thailand, you're an amazing people. Love from Philippines

[@ammaa3364]

B. Lee Thank you from Thailand.😊😊💖💖💖

[@user-df9fm7ry4d]

Love you too! Thanks so much fromThailand

[@bethlehem80]

Somwat Ellis oh yess!😙

[@bethlehem80]

Amee AA ❤

[@sanaesungkhapinit6353]

We love philippines also!

[@donnaromadhona]

This is the evidence that you dont have to have much money or much anything to help and to love each other..this video made my day

[@jomontanee]

EXACTLY!

[@thomaspick4123]

I particularly liked the clothes washers. Not busybodies trying to get on site, doing very little except consuming oxygen. These washers performed a needed service, far away from every seeing the cave, operation, or boys. Yet, their concern and humility are noteworthy. Bravo to the clothes washer people and their contribution!

[@lamdao1242]

I agree

[@kenwongsa5273]

This is Thailand, we do whatever we can to help without asking for anything in return, without asking for any recognition . I still remember that during the flood in 2011 the whole country just came out and helped each other. That's exactly what the Wild Boars have reminded us all .... just put aside the differences and just help.

[@jackyflawless5298]

Thailand volunteer’s army, the water pump team, the farmers, divers... God Bless them.

[@stecomer4303]

Yes so much went unnoticed it's not just about what happened on the battlefield it's what happened in the logistics department that wins the day.

[@soulbreaker3332]

Respect and love for all volunteers 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@CandC68]

Excellent story BBC. Really moved and impressed how people are working together for the good.

[@BenNgo]

I'm highly emotional to watch those untold stories of countless volunteers. As the world is watching the rescue mission updates itself, it's so good to know that global media networks as the BBC also put their lens focus on the stories behind the scenes.

[@tosgem]

Words can not describe my admiration for the people in Thailand right now. You are working together so well, you love each other, you are humble and everyone is happy to do any small part they can. Love from Australia.

[@SaadKhan-sx4mh]

I was on family holidays in Thailand when this ordeal started. Have been following news every day for atleast 2-3 times a day. Down the line every one who volunteered and contributed in this rescue metion will take one of the most remarkable experience in their memories for rest of their lives. Hats for every one who took part. Cheers from Pakistan

[@kaimitoyuko4900]

God bless these volunteer,they have a beautiful heart of helping people especialy on this difficult time.

[@tavo5593]

Fyfhfr 1088 God did not help them luck did Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

[@tavo5593]

Fyfhfr 1088 God doesn't listen to your prayers if you sin and we all know that all people are sinners exept the children of Israel who are waking up

[@AriAnnaMommyWorld]

This made me so emotional. I wish my country could unite like this. So happy the boys and their coach are safe. My heart hurts for the former Thai Navy Seal who lost his life.

[@GingerAndZest]

May I ask what country do you live in? Perhaps watching the generosity and humbleness of the Thais will encourage others.

[@cindyhuiqing8610]

Love the harmony between them! Man i love my country! i feel so proud to be born there!😭💕

[@stecomer4303]

Yes I am British staying in Thailand for four months every year with my Thai family wife two daughters and you are very lucky,my wife says she's lucky because she met good falang not drink not smoke exercise look after her and the two girls who dad's had left them,but to me I'm the lucky one I see her Buddhist ways each day and smile in my heart,she has nice house now and good schools for the girls nice food and not worried about money,but she has given me more than I could ever give her,she opened my eyes to humanity without ever asking,I just seen how she lived and survived and it opened my heart.

[@endofyraaaaryfodne3389]

These are one of the many many beautiful silent heroes that works in the background and I respect them so much! Thank you for shining a light on these amazing everyday people. They are the heart of it all.

[@BRJL0411]

Kudos for all the volunteers... variety of foods, fresh coffee, massage, laundry and so much more....giving away for free to everyone working at the cave...

[@annaglenn3490]

This warms my heart. People willingly giving their time and resources; driven by the intense desire to help.

[@DoiLamung]

Thank you so much BBC

[@yivmaiden]

I'm really touched by all the volunteers and rescuers.

[@nuraliaabdullah6354]

Thank you to all volunteers, great people.

[@worldwhytf9429]

THIS is what it is all about... when few struggle, we all struggle. We are all in this thing called life together. Touching story. Hope they boys all get out safely.

[@ptm2653]

นั่งดูแล้วร้องไห้เลย ขอบคุณมากๆเลยนะคะ ขอบคุณจริงๆค่ะ หัวใจทุกๆท่านยิ่งใหญ่มากกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกกก ขอให้มีแต่สิ่งดีๆในชีวิตนะคะ

[@jbtan5467]

So sweet...yes they are mindful and very caring people because I observe that attitude from my brother-in-law. Still praying for all to come home victoriously. Watching and praying fromCanada.

[@tracyparsons6845]

The unification of nations, volunteers, organizers & rescue experts, so heartwarming. Truly life goals. Renewed hope for us living this life. Peace from 🇨🇦

[@Googlegoogle-cr7pu]

all them have been rescued .its is the reward for these pure souls

[@billChatswood]

In Thailand we have 4 different cultures 4 different accents 3 different religions but we always be together in a hard time

[@anotherman5740]

This has touched my heart so deeply. Bless you all the volunteers.

[@user-ly4wt9xp4i]

This is why I love Thailand. A wonderful nation

[@kamalbajgai1700]

Humanity still exist, just feels great to see something like this:)

[@waewwow_shinewaew6427]

Thanks to all for helping this mission ☺️😢🙏🏻 I am crying

[@Msiinfinityy]

Thank BBC for making this wonderful video. It's truly inspiring.

[@beefcake0354]

I'm moved everytime I watch this. these people are heroes as well. humanity at its best.

[@raincheng3008]

This video is Full of love🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️ I feel so touched. Respect to all unsung heros and volunteers 👍🏻👍🏻 and hope the boys get well soon💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@vimzlidroid1847]

Its so beautiful see people helps each others,,and i beleive the mission will be 100% succeed

[@texascoraline5974]

God bless these people and return their generosity 10 fold

[@truetech4158]

My heroes! The entire world salutes you. It is you showing empathy in real time.

[@stacyhackney6100]

They're so kind to help.

[@gavlatennis2824]

Huge credit to her. Great to see everyone helping out. Respect!

[@joanndoudiet5096]

Thank-you to all the behind the scenes support from all the volunteers. The people of Thailand are caring, unselfish, family oriented people. I'm so happy the boys and coach were rescued. I will never forget the man that was taking oxygen tanks for the boys to use and he gave his life in doing so. He is a hero.

[@gulzhandonbatalla6759]

What a great video! More video like this please! We all need them!

[@punnew]

Thank you for all supporter and team rescues you’re the best.

[@kandisofiadahlan8157]

I need more reportages like this😍 Thank you BBC. I love this.

[@faaaduma6876]

What a good people!! Spending whatever resources they have on the rescuers. How wonderful!!:)

[@meawthawut6846]

Thank you so much 🙏🇹🇭

[@g9p_]

“They’re coming home”

[@abuamanah9176]

In Sha Allah!!!

[@prathimasupreet]

They will for sure....!!!

[@user-ly4wt9xp4i]

They did

[@dltmdwnfkdldjs]

great ppl. big support from korea.

[@shannenss]

Excellent story! so glad that the media has such positive story to tell. The world need more of this please.

[@user-um7gh8qd2g]

ขอบคุณน้ำใจของคุณทุกตนนะคะ ขอให้ทุกคนมีความสุขตลอดไป

[@jenrozzgurung9205]

It touched my heart to see everyone helping.God bless everyone hope every boys will be out soon

[@ejoy78]

What a beautiful example of unity, we are all not that different! I wish more people would realize that and apply it to their daily lives.

[@aalegalfocus]

such nice, giving people! There were many heroes involved in this effort.

[@jeanburk9539]

And please check out Japan, too. Terrible times with flooding, many killed, and they need our prayers and help too.

[@scarletbaby2214]

Thank you, you are such good people, thank you again. LOTS OF WORK. You are appreciated.

[@rhee9961]

These kind people are HEROES in their own right. Kindness and generosity... Beautiful spirits...❤️❤️❤️

[@phitchayarasmprasertdee9983]

Respect from my heart for all volunteers

[@ellioshiem7892]

wonderful good people. all my love from london

[@lynlynsepoy1807]

Bless them❤

[@valapasucharitakul5127]

This is wonderful. Why am I crying??? 😢😢😢😢😢💟

[@seattlehusky6003]

It's so heart-warming to learn about the extraordinary outpouring of support and generosity in times of crisis, and how tightly knit the community where those boy live is.

[@yodaorathai]

Thank you of ALL.

[@WEAPONYAIAROON]

So appreciated... deep in my mind.

[@Monttalban]

Congratularions on all those involved in the rescue. Praying for the boys from Rio, Brazil. 🤝

[@ammaa3364]

Thank you so much from Thailand.🇹🇭🇹🇭💗💗

[@cleopatra8774]

Wow! Amazing!!!!!!! Speechless. Really amazing.

[@MiladyMilk]

Mission completed because of you all ❤ Thank you so much. 🙏

[@nattapongsuwansirichok3142]

You are the real superhero on earth.

[@tavo5593]

Nattapong Suwansirichok No it's superman

[@mirrrstery]

Amazing. Just absolutely amazing!

[@vaa_2407]

Thankyou BBC 🙏🙏🙏

[@babybammylove4956]

Thank you so much 🙏🙏

[@florindacollins864]

I've never thought about visiting Thailand...but now I want to. :)

[@dontanhomestay7928]

Florinda Collins welcome to Thailand...

[@torh1]

Hey don't hesitate to come here. Even though we are not good in English language, but we will be the best host for you, your family and your friends. 🙏😊♥️❤️

[@jubjangfest6422]

That’s the way we are. We love our country . We love each other. We are from Thailand.

[@katlee5841]

Salute !!! All of you!! You guys are awesome!!

[@ollac3758]

Respect to this people . You’ll never find helpful people anywhere like Thai population. But if u farang ting tong , you’ll find the other side of Thailand. Full love to my delightful Thailand 🇹🇭

[@ptt2t2]

Beautiful mind indeed, thanks all

[@jessiereally3296]

God bless you guys! You are all amazing!♥️♥️♥️

[@ChrisLee-tl8vc]

God bless you all good hearted people !

[@Fighting_Irish184]

Awesome teamwork. Very moving.

[@SusanMinhTrangNguyen]

Definitely unsung heroes!

[@suthsirisi3218]

สาธุ ขอให้ทุกท่านมีแต่ความรุงเรือง และเจริญก้าวหน้าในอาชีพ ตลอดจนมีสุขภาพที่แข็งแรง ตลอดอายุไข

[@24mithuna]

As a Thai, When this event comes.. I see the hope of Thailand. Thai people always fight each other just because they have different opinions i.e. political perspective. But this event shows me that in our deep mind we still love each other. There is many people who never know those 12 boys and their coach before but they become the volunteer. For others who can't comes to Chiang Rai they will praying for them. Oh yeah the foreigner who comes here to help us and praying for them as well. It is also shows that we still can believe in humanity. This event really has a lot of meaning to me. :) (Sorry if my English is bad lol)

[@cutiepony3625]

พอชอรอพอรอ I think talking and argue about politic didnt mean we hate each other because we still love each other but we discuss about politic because we want our country developed.

[@searchvibe5172]

This was beautiful bless them ❤️

[@YUMMYFATO]

Proud of you thailand people

[@hkuzumo]

It's awesome to see the spirit from these volunteers to help in anyway they can..

[@nongnatawow4380]

The mission is possible because of Love, together and believe of all nations. We are the one.

[@faniasp3861]

Your KINDNESS....good heart ... May GOD BLESS YOU N YOUR FAMILY.....N ALL OF THAI PEOPLE GOD BLESS YOU.AMIN.

[@fim.y0177]

THANK YOU ❤

[@changmafoodcook4653]

this is very beautiful .

[@ainlee3239]

May God bless all volunteers with His blessing

[@bovie0000]

It truly does take a village. It is so great to see people of different walks of life, different religions and faiths come together.

[@afsarabenazir8558]

May Allah bless these incredible souls

[@afsarabenazir8558]

Fyfhfr 1088 I hope so too. May Allah protect all innocent lives from danger. and those who misuse His name for commiting atrocities, they shall receive the punishment of Allah, I have no doubt about that.

[@ohmyeffingblackpink8396]

I'm a Thai Christian, former Buddhist. I just stated my religion because it seems to be big deal when it isn't here. The world is weird. But thank you so much for praying for the best. I know you guys sincerely hope for their safe returns. :)

[@iamahodophile7366]

Heartwarming.

[@suwisasa6828]

l'am thai. i love thailand .ฉันดีใจที่ได้เกิดเป็นคนไทย.

[@cutiepony3625]

Vivo Sasa pround to be Thai. ดีใจที่ได้เกิดเป็นคนไทยเช่นกัน

[@nongploy4648]

Several thousand of unseen volunteers, thanks BBC NEWS !