The Tham Luang cave complex – the site of a dramatic 18-day rescue of a football team trapped by heavy floods three years ago – has been reopened to the public in a bid to revive tourism in Thailand.

Officials closed the cave in Chiang Rai province in April due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but was reopened on October 15, subject to coronavirus restrictions.

Only 40 tourists are allowed into the cave at a time as there is a high level of carbon dioxide due to the area being lower than the normal ground level. Tourists are allowed to walk up to 200 metres from the cave entrance.

Visitors also have to be fully vaccinated or have a COVID-19 negative test certificate to display.

National park superintendent Kawee Prasomphol said: ‘Flashlights will be provided for every tourist. A protective gate has been set up to prevent overcrowding inside.

‘We limit the number of visitors to ensure their safety. There are also officers monitoring in different spots inside the cave.’

Twelve young soccer players and their coach were stranded inside the Tham Luang cavern by torrential rains three years earlier. They were eventually saved following more than two weeks of intense rescue operations that drew worldwide interest.