There’s an interesting article in the Spiegel now how the Thai junta used this as a gigantic propaganda operation and bullied the press. The absolute darkness around the operation wasn’t to shield the kids, but to shield the juntas image and hide any failures. Questions about the security of the cave before the incident were forbidden, relatives briefed to only speak positively about the gouvernment and shielded by military during the few interviews. Journalists were registered illegally, various international cave divers gave up because they couldn’t bear the incompetency of the military officers in charge and the way they were treated.
Reminder to always look behind the big picture.