Netflix’s ‘Thai Cave Rescue’ Pushed for Authenticity

SK Global’s “Thai Cave Rescue” series faced almost as many obstacles as the specialist divers drafted to bring out 12 boys and their coach from a waterlogged grotto in summer 2018 in front of a blaze of media attention and an expectant Thai nation.

The show debuts on Netflix on Thursday, a timing that means it follows three feature-length depictions and multiple news media specials retelling the watery events.

It is also the retelling that is most closely associated with the Thai government, which auditioned prospective production companies and streamers and has carefully held the real-life rescued youngsters close to its chest.

The platform’s answer has been to stress authenticity, access and width as much as possible.  

“We get to show the heroism of all the people of Thailand, and we get to speak about the effect on the boys’…