Netflix signs deal for miniseries on Thai cave rescue

BANGKOK - Netflix has secured the rights to make a miniseries about the dramatic rescue of 12 boys and their football coach from a cave in northern Thailand in 2018.

"The story combines so many unique local and universal themes which connected people from all walks of life, from all around the world," Ms Erika North, Netflix's director of international originals, said.

"Thailand is a very important market for Netflix and we are looking forward to bringing this inspiring local but globally resonant story... to life," she added.

The Wild Boars football players, aged between 11 and 16, and their 25-year-old coach became trapped on June 23 while exploring the cave complex in the northern province of Chiang Rai when a rainy-season downpour flooded the tunnels.

A 17-day effort to rescue them gripped the world with experts from various countries volunteering to help.

The miniseries will be directed by Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu and Nattawut "Baz" Poonpiriya.

So far, two books about the rescue have been published while a feature film by British-Thai director Tom Waller, The Cave, wrapped up shooting in December, according to the Hollywood Reporter.