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Western Washington residents with ties to Thailand keep close eyes on flooded cave rescue

SEATTLE — In Thailand, rescue crews have pulled out eight of the 12 kids, who have been trapped in a flooded cave with their coach for the last two weeks.

People in western Washington with ties to Thailand have been following this story closely, including our very own Patranya Bhoolsuwan who was born and raised in Thailand.

She sat down with people who are watching this situation unfold far from home, including Tanantha Couilliard, a mother of two who also grew up in Thailand.

She now lives in the Seattle area and is a member of the Thai Association of Washington State.

Coulliard said Thai people overseas are using social media to stay on top of the developments.

“It affects everyone in the community emotionally,” said Couilliard. “One of my friends, she couldn’t sleep because she’s worried about them.”

Couillard said the news of the eighth boy person rescued from the flooded cave on Monday morning gave her hope and she is thankful for the international help pouring into the country.

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“It’s very touching for us,” said Couilliard.

KIRO 7 also spoke to Morgan Kohler, who’s from Seattle but teaches diving seven months out of the year in southern Thailand.

He said he’s very impressed that the professional divers there have been able to guide out the eight boys to safety so far.

“To squeeze that in a couple of days, it said a lot about the character of the kids and the team that’s working with them,” said Kohler.

He said a big part of the success is for everyone involved to remain calm.

“In cave diving, panic usually equals death,” said Kohler.

The rescue operation for the four remaining kids and their adult coach will begin as soon as local officials give the green light, conditions permitting.

Stay with KIRO 7 for the latest on this developing story.