On 23 June 2018, twelve members of the Thai Boys Moo Pa football team and their assistant coach went missing inside Tham Luang Cave in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Upon learning of the incident, an outpouring of support to rescue the boys and their coach both in Thailand and around the world became apparent to the Kingdom.

     On 10 July 2018, the rescue mission was a success with the safe evacuation of those trapped in the cave.

     Meanwhile the Thai nation recognizes the ultimate sacrifice by Petty Officer First Class Saman Kunan, a former Thai Navy Seal diver who volunteered and lost his life during the rescue mission,

    The Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria has been the recipient of many messages of solidarity and moral support expressed by senior members of the South African government, Ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps, as well as the general public and the Thai community in the Republic. The Embassy has conveyed such sentiments to the Thai Government accordingly.

    Furthermore, The Royal Thai Embassy wishes to express its deepest thanks and sincere appreciation to those involved in the rescue mission and to the kind messages conveyed through us to the Thai people. Such reflects the friendship, comradery, and the spirit of humanity, or commonly known as "Ubuntu", between our peoples.