Jon M. Chu and Nattawut Poonpiriya to Direct Thai Cave Rescue Project

Netflix Thai Cave Rescue Project

Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu and Bad Genius helmer Nattawut “Baz” Poonpiriya will direct a miniseries about the rescue of the 2018 Thai soccer team who were trapped in a cave for two weeks. The project’s set up at Netflix, with the streaming service and SK Global Entertainment obtaining the rights to to tell the true story of the team’s rescue from 13 Thumluang Company Limited.

“Like the rest of the world, we were riveted by the news of the Thai cave rescue. With the entire globe watching, this tragic human drama transformed into a beautiful, inspirational story of human beings saving other human beings. Not only did this show the best of the human spirit overcoming even the worst of circumstances, it proved that we are stronger when we work together. Which is why, with the support of the Thai government and our partners at Netflix, SK Global and Starlight, we are honored and grateful to be able to share the full story of this massive, international effort in a unique multilingual format that will allow us to work with filmmakers from all around the world, like the amazingly talented Nattawut ‘Baz’ Poonpiriya, who understand the nuances and details of the local community in which this story unfolds,” said Jon M. Chu.

The story of the 12 member team and their soccer coach trapped in the flooded Tham Luang caves near Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2018 captured the attention of a worldwide audience.

“This is an opportunity for me as a filmmaker — and also a Thai citizen — to write a Thank you letter to the rest of the world,” stated Poonpiriya.


“We are immensely proud to be able to support the retelling of the incredible story of the Tham Luang cave rescue,” said Erika North, Director of International Originals at Netflix. “The story combines so many unique local and universal themes which connected people from all walks of life, from all around the world. Thailand is a very important country for Netflix and we are looking forward to bringing this inspiring local but globally-resonant story of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds to life, once again, for global audiences.”

“With our partners, SK Global Entertainment is honored to bring to global audiences this story which captivated the world. Celebrating the heroes and survivors of the Thai cave rescue mission is a true privilege, and we are humbled to have succeeded in securing these rights,” said SK Global’s Co-CEO John Penotti.

The Netflix drama will be produced by John Penotti, Jon M. Chu, and Lance Johnson. Starlight Culture Entertainment Group will executive produce.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to thank the people and organizations from Thailand and around the world who came together to perform a true miracle, by retelling our story. We look forward to working with all involved parties to ensure our story is told accurately, so that the world can recognise, once again, the heroes that made the rescue operation a success,” said Assistant Coach Ekkapol “Coach Ake” Chantapong, spokesperson of 13 Thumluang Co. Ltd.

“The Tham Luang rescue demonstrated mutual bravery, sacrifice, commitment and cooperation. By working with Netflix, we will work to give people a deeper look into the events and people that made the whole world stop, watch and cheer in June and July 2018,” said Lt. Gen. Werachon Sukondhapatipak, Spokesperson for the Committee for the Tham Luang Cave Mission, Chiang Rai Province.