Thai football coach Ekkapol Chantawong, known globally for his heroic role during the notorious 2018 cave rescue, found himself trapped yet again by nature's fury last week. Heavy floods, driven by the wrath of Typhoon Yagi, swept through the Mai Sai district of Thailand, echoing the harrowing ordeal he faced six years ago when he was stranded with his team, the 'Wild Boars'.
This latest incident unfolded when torrential rains hit the region, quickly inundated homes and left residents scrambling for safety. For Ekkapol and his family, the deluge forced them to climb onto the roof of their house to escape rising waters.
Speaking from the rooftop, he recounted the terrifying moments, saying, “I was scared but I told myself I have to be calm. Wait and assess the situation.” His past experience of being trapped teaches him valuable lessons about resilience and maintaining composure during crises.
Upon hearing of the floods, military forces were dispatched by the Thai government to assist with rescue operations across the northern provinces. While the waters receded slightly by Thursday, many areas remained at risk, particularly those near rivers, which were still swollen from the unrelenting rains.
Ekkapol reflected on his previous experience guiding his young team through dark times back in 2018. That year, he and 12 players got caught inside Tham Luang Nang Non cave after heavy rain caused catastrophic flooding, sparking one of the most dangerous rescue missions known to date. This ordeal lasted for 18 days, and it involved intense global media coverage and dramatic underwater rescues undertaken by expert divers.
Changing focus back to his current situation, Ekkapol noted, “I do not think it is different.” He emphasized the need for focus and problem-solving mindset, paraphrasing to highlight, “First, we must focus and start solving the problem we are facing.” Even as floodwaters created challenges, he insisted he felt less pressure this time around, viewing it more as an opportunity for collaboration and resilience.
With water levels allowing him to navigate back to the ground floor of his house, Ekkapol's courage shone through. He went so far as to share videos on social media showcasing his family's plight, as they endured the onslaught of water gushing through streets below.
The impact of Typhoon Yagi was widespread, as several communities faced flooding, which led to temporary evacuations and disrupted daily life. More widespread areas were affected than in previous floods, with Chiang Rai, one of the largest cities in northern Thailand, reporting significant damage and even cancellation of multiple flights at its airport due to impassable access roads.
According to local district head Narongpol Kid-an, “The situation is very delicate. When it rains, the water rises very quickly.” With military operations underway alongside civilian rescuer efforts, communities came together, showing support for each other amid rapidly changing calamities. Resilience seemed to be the theme as he mentioned, “Flood waters had started receding from some areas of Mai Sai but several riverside settlements were still flooded.”
Ekkapol's story resonates deeply with those familiar with the heroic rescue efforts of 2018, where he taught his team meditation techniques to help them cope with fear and uncertainty. His own experience as a former Buddhist monk became pivotal then, as it did now. “I do not feel more pressure with this stranding. I see more of a way out,” he affirmed, highlighting the importance of mental fortitude.
Meanwhile, as authorities heightened their response efforts, utilizing boats and helicopters for search and rescue operations, communities showed determination to recover and support one another. It remained unclear how long the floodwaters would take to recede fully or how significantly the surrounding infrastructure would suffer due to heavy rain.
This recent flooding serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather, drawing attention to the broader impacts on the local community and infrastructure. Ekkapol's calm and resilient approach stands out among the distressing circumstances, as he channels his experience from the past to face the present adversity.
With heavy rain predicted to continue, worries remain about potential additional flooding and the emergency responses required. The community's collaborative spirit becomes imperative as Ekkapol and his family, as well as thousands of others affected by Typhoon Yagi, look for safety and recovery from yet another trial by nature.
What lays on the horizon for Ekkapol and the Mai Sai district remains uncertain. Yet, through the vast struggle, stories like his serve as reminders of human strength and endurance, even when faced with nature's unpredictability.
