Rescue site to turn into a museum

Rescuers who pulled a young Thai football team from deep inside a flooded cave were dismantling their worksite yesterday, as plans emerged to turn the spot into a museum in tribute to the daring operation.

Stunning footage of that rescue was released Wednesday showing the youngsters -- aged 11 to 16 -- being stretchered to safety. They were also seen sitting cheerfully in their hospital beds, where they are being kept in isolation until doctors are sure they did not pick up any nasty diseases during more than two weeks in the dark.

Rescue chief Narongsak Osottanakorn told reporters the site would ultimately be converted into a museum showcasing the clothes and equipment used during the dramatic rescue.

"I believe it will become another highlight in Thailand," he said. "Tourists will come visit."

The Nation newspaper called the operation a "Triumph of global cooperation" on its front page Thursday while the Bangkok Post published a collage of images of those involved under the heading "You Are Heroes."

HOLLYWOOD MOVIE

The huge international interest in the story sparked immediate talk of books and films.

Michael Scott, the managing partner of faith-based production house Pure Flix, said the company intends to pursue a film about the against-the-odds mission.

Scott, who lives in Thailand and went to the site in Chiang Rai as the boys were being pulled to safety, made the announcement late Tuesday on Twitter in a video.

"We're here really looking at this as a movie that could inspire millions of people across the globe," Scott said.