Unknown danger in the caves of Thailand

BANGKOK – A detailed map of the Tham Luang Cave, established by veteran cave explorer Martin Ellis, shows specific locations in most of the cave, including the remarkable Pattaya Beach, but the bottom of the map remains unexplored.

Chaiporn Siripornpibul, speleologist at the Department of Mineral Resources, realized the importance of the map when it came to rescuing the 12 young football players and their coach in the days following their trapped in June. 23, and how it would be even more critical in the completion of the rescue "miracle".

Without the topography of the cave addressed in this incomplete map, it would have been more difficult for geologists in the department to determine the topography of the cave and locate the heights and holes that could connect the main halls of the cave, a Possible alternative route of escape for the team trapped Wild Boars and their assistant coach.

"I know the cave as we studied it two years ago, we immediately analyzed all the data that we had in order to find the topography of the cave to find other ways of doing it. come out, "said Chaiporn, recalling the early efforts of some geologists to help in the rescue attempt. In the end, their expertise was not required since the boys were rescued by daring dives in the flooded cave complex.

The Tham Luang Cave is one of 4,000 caves that remain throughout the country. According to the Department of Mineral Resources, about 2500 caves have been identified and located on its geological map and 307 caves have been identified by the Department of Tourism as being open to visitors.

Of these, 169 are located in parks and forest parks under the supervision of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Tham Luang Cave is located in the 5000 Rai Park of Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang.

Chaiporn, a veteran speleologist who has conducted extensive cave studies across the country, said that caves are the reaction between water and rocks. result of edifying karst landscapes, which leave soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite and gypsum, exposed to weather and climates.

Over time, they are dissolved by rainwater and groundwater. Like other surrounding characters such as flowing streams, chasms and springs.

Caves in Thailand have been created by this process over the past 200 to 400 million years, he said. In addition to the limestone caves, there are also sandstone erosion caves in the Northeast region, creating various caves.

There are many caves across the country, but we know very little that some groups have conducted studies.

The history of cave studies in Thailand dates back to the mid 1960s when a group of foreign experts first conducted archaeological studies in caves.

In the 1970s, a series of more direct research was conducted. Cave surveys were conducted by a group of foreign geologists. In the 1980s, caves were studied by foreign survey associations such as the French Cave Survey Association, the Pyrenean Association of Speleology, and others, when some caves in the Northeast have been inventoried and mapped

. that a group of Thai researchers, including Chaiporn, veteran spelunker John Spies and Dean Smart, have come together to scientifically study the caves. The result led to the formulation of a study involving archeology, biology and cave systems, paving the way for cavern management.

Their study, funded by the Thai Research Fund, lasted two years and focused on northern caves. Because of this limitation, most caves nationwide have not yet been scientifically studied, which Chaiporn emphasizes as a necessity before any subsequent management attempts.

Thailand is still in a precarious position for cave management. in terms of tourism, education, threats and other problems.

"I must say that caves are not just holes in the mountains, they are as valuable as the dangers to be managed – archaeological, biological, hydrological and climatic, and many others.

" In foreign countries such as Romania, studies of caves are part of their school curriculum.

"All this reflects a strong body of knowledge about the caves developed and implemented in their countries. If we are to manage our caves to achieve our goals, we must also build our own [body of knowledge]"said Chaiporn.

An attempt to solve the problems regarding Thai caves first appeared at the political level in the 2000s when a Cellar Management Committee has been appointed, however, since a new bureaucratic structure has taken place – which has resulted in the separation of Royal Forestry and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation – the committee did not work and no one knows if it still exists.] Some 16 caves, as well as 263 other natural sites, were selected and subjected to an environmental assessment following the declaration of the l 39; year of natural resources and protection of the environment by the cabinet in 1989.

The evaluation criteria It was developed and set up each year by the Bure natural resources and environmental planning.

It was not until last year that the Department of National Parks issued an order to evaluate the caves under its supervision. year. The department has also produced a manual about cave management for its staff that presents the character of the cave, the experiences of foreign countries and others. He also notes that the caves in Thai parks have not been the subject of extensive studies and have been studied, classified or evaluated for management.

The near-tragedy of Tham Luang Cave reignited the call for political guidance On June 27, the Cabinet decided to provide guidelines for disaster risk management in the country's recreation areas to the relevant departments, including the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

. propose prevention, preparedness and problem-solving measures to better deal with the hazards and disasters that may occur in recreational areas of the country, including waterfalls, caves and others.

Repetitions were also necessary so that the public could In response to the new government guidelines, the Department of National Parks, which is primarily responsible for He invited experts from various departments to assist in the task. Chief of National Parks Thanya Netithammakul said that he had also instructed his staff. The other natural sites at risk, under the supervision of the ministry, were also monitored and, if the risks were imminent, they would be closed, he said.

Thanya expected that in the future

In Tham Luang, the ministry would be responsible for the rehabilitation after the careful rescue operation.

In addition, there would be a management plan that Thanya hoped to help shape new prevention and safety measures for visitors to Tham Luang, in addition to modernizing the national park.

"We had a hard lesson. In front of the caves, from now on, our staff will be ready, but visitors, on the other hand, should also be aware of their visits before leaving the house. If not, please ask, "said Thanya.

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