The local authorities have clarified the fees for entering deeper chambers of Tham Luang cave complex are reasonable considering the need for guided tours with experts to ensure safety of visitors.
The Tham Luang cave in the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park has opened to visitors deeper sections of the Tham Luang cave, which became globally known following the famous rescue of 12 Wild Boar young footballers and their coach in 2018 after they had been trapped in the flooded cave for 18 days.
Thai visitors will be charged 950 baht, while foreigners will pay 1,500 baht to access the second Chamber at 653 meters deep and the third Chamber at 715 meters deep.
The director of the 15th Conservation Area Administration in Chiang Rai, Chutidej Kamonnachanut said that these fees are justified due to the complexity of maintaining safety in the cave, requiring the presence of experienced rescue personnel and local tour guides.
Visitors can explore the first chamber up to approximately 200 meters deep for free. However, for the second and third chambers, where additional safety measures are necessary, a team of five experts, including rescue personnel and local guides, will accompany a limited group of no more than 10 tourists at a time for only two rounds per day.
A portion of the fee, amounting to 300 baht per person, will be allocated to the Tham Luang Welfare Fund for equipment repair both inside and outside the cave. This fund will cover expenses that cannot be reimbursed by the government, including equipment for personnel, basic medical supplies, and life insurance.
Some sections require climbing heights of at least 4-5 meters, using ropes, and navigating through narrow passages. The tour guides will provide explanations about the geological features of the cave throughout the journey and narrating the events surrounding the location during the rescue mission to save the 13 Wild Boars.
The remaining 500 baht will be paid to the five accompanying officials, leaving 150 baht for the fund to assist park rangers including those who may be injured or lose their lives while on duty in the national park. (TNA)
