Two British cave rescue heroes arrived in Bangkok on July 11 for their journey back to the UK, where they were awarded a lifetime of free flights to Thailand.

John Volanthen and Jason Mallinson touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport to a hero's welcome from Thai ministers, who gave them certificates and gift medals. The two men, together with fellow diver Robert Harper, were the first to find the twelve Thai boys and their football coach who had been trapped in a cave in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand.

"I'm very glad we could get you out alive. Be careful in future," Mallinson said.

The exhausted pair trudged through the airport in their shorts, t-shirt and backpacks before meeting Tourism Minister Wirasak Kowsoorad.

''This is to show our appreciation, our Prime Minister asked for you to given this. Thank you so much for your effort. It was a great rescue and we very appreciate it," Kowsoorad said. ''Now, both of you, you will always be welcome, any time, you have so many friends here.''

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith then shakes their hands and says, ''Consider it free tickets to Thailand, any time."

''Absolutely," Tourism Minister Wirasak Kowsoorad adds.

This was the moment two British cave rescue heroes arrived in Bangkok last night (Wed) for their jouney back to the UK - being awarded free flights for life to Thailand.

John Volanthen and Jason Mallinson touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport to a hero's welcome from Thai ministers who gave them certificates and gift medals.

The two men and pal Robert Harper were the first divers to find twelve Thai boys and their football coach who had been trapped in a cave in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand.

Asked what his message was, Jason said: ''I'm very glad we could get you out alive. Be careful in future.''

The exhausted pair trudged through the airport in their shorts, t-shirt and backpacks before meeting Tourism Minister Wirasak Kowsoorad.

He told them: ''This is to show our appreciation, our Prime Minister asked for you to given this.

''Thank you so much for your effort. It was a great rescue and we very appreciate it.

''Now, both of you, you will always be welcome, any time, you have so many friends here.''

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith then shakes their hands and says: ''Consider it free tickets to Thailand, any time''.

Tourism Minister Wirasak Kowsoorad adds: ''Absolutely''.

The presentation didn't quite go to plan though, when the tourism boss gave them ''certificates of appreciation'' with their names mixed up.