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Thailand cave rescue: boys leave hospital ahead of press conference – live updates Thailand cave rescue: boys face press after leaving hospital – live updates
(35 minutes later)
Dul recalls telling the divers they had been in the cave for 10 days. Their brains were very slow at the time, he said.
Bew said the group were hungry, the questioner prompts.
Q Did you watch the World Cup final?
Ake said it was fun. A boy who cheered the loudest during the game recalls watching the match.
Ake said most of the team backed France in the final.
Q What was it like when he you saw the British divers?
Dul says they heard someone speaking and listened not believing anyone was there. Mick who had a torched approached the British divers.
When he emerged I said “hello”, Dul said. They were surprised that he was not a Thai. This was a miracle moment, he said. Dul responded “we’re fine” Dul recalls.
When he said there were 13 safe in the cave, the rescuer said “brilliant”.
Coach Ake said he urged Dul to translate what the British divers were saying. Ake recalls Dul urging the team to be patient.
The team introduce themselves in turn starting with Ake, the 25-year-old coach.
The three Thai navy Seals who stayed with the cave with the boys also identify themselves.
The strength of the boys has returned, a health official says. They are looking forward to eating home cooking. They can go back and lead a normal life now, the official says.
Another official says the boys’ mental state is “quite good”. They have had good moral and mental support since being rescued a third official says.
The boys listened to the instruction given. “They were quite obedient” an official, identified as a psychologist, says.
The team we’ve all been rooting for! #WildBoars pic.twitter.com/fHsLLZpZLR
In the video clip the boys are shown thanking the medical staff at the Chian Rai Prachanukroh hospital.
All 12 boys, and the coach appear, to be present.
More than 100 questions have been submitted by journalists, a host says. The questions have been vetted by doctors.
The boys are on stage now while a video clip of them recovering in hospital is played.
Here’s the kickabout as they arrived:
Wild boars arrive and have a quick kick around of football! @SkyNews pic.twitter.com/6QEtyjrq4Y
Here we go: the press conference is about to get underway as the boys arrive at the hall.
The boys give thank you signs and thumbs up as the enter the all.
They also play with the footballs on the the mini pitch set up in the hall.
You can follow it on Facebook here.
The new conference will be broadcast on national TV in a programme called Thailand Moves Forward, after a rendition of the national anthem.The new conference will be broadcast on national TV in a programme called Thailand Moves Forward, after a rendition of the national anthem.
The venue for the press conference is Chiang Rai’s provincial hall.The venue for the press conference is Chiang Rai’s provincial hall.
6pm The nightly propaganda program produced by the Thai military government is about to go live with a press conference featuring the 13 cave boys #ThamLuang #พาทีมหมูป่ากลับบ้าน #ถ้ำหลวง #Thailand #ThaiCaveRecue pic.twitter.com/6FW1tuC0xF6pm The nightly propaganda program produced by the Thai military government is about to go live with a press conference featuring the 13 cave boys #ThamLuang #พาทีมหมูป่ากลับบ้าน #ถ้ำหลวง #Thailand #ThaiCaveRecue pic.twitter.com/6FW1tuC0xF
Thai PBS News has more images of the boys as they left hospital. They are all dressed in Wild Boar team t-shirts.Thai PBS News has more images of the boys as they left hospital. They are all dressed in Wild Boar team t-shirts.
17.00 น. น้องๆ ทีมหมูป่า ออกจากโรงพยาบาลเพื่อไปสถานที่แถลงข่าวแล้ว #ThaiPBSnews pic.twitter.com/XYNd8CYuQV17.00 น. น้องๆ ทีมหมูป่า ออกจากโรงพยาบาลเพื่อไปสถานที่แถลงข่าวแล้ว #ThaiPBSnews pic.twitter.com/XYNd8CYuQV
The boys have left hospital.The boys have left hospital.
Thailand's cave boys leave hospital for first public appearance https://t.co/TzJVIIIAjlThailand's cave boys leave hospital for first public appearance https://t.co/TzJVIIIAjl
It is unclear how many of the boys will show up at the press conference. The BBC reported that only the boys who feel comfortable talking to the media will be present.It is unclear how many of the boys will show up at the press conference. The BBC reported that only the boys who feel comfortable talking to the media will be present.
It may also be a challenge to work out which boys are talking at the press conference, as there appear to be no plans to issue labels identifying the players.It may also be a challenge to work out which boys are talking at the press conference, as there appear to be no plans to issue labels identifying the players.
For brevity we will use nicknames to identify the players if it clear who is talking.For brevity we will use nicknames to identify the players if it clear who is talking.
Following their release from hospital, the boys are now planning to enter the Thai monkhood, as a way to pay tribute to the Thai Navy Sea, Saman Kunan, who died during the rescue operation.Following their release from hospital, the boys are now planning to enter the Thai monkhood, as a way to pay tribute to the Thai Navy Sea, Saman Kunan, who died during the rescue operation.
While ordaining as a full monk is only available to men over 20, the boys will train as novices. It is not an uncommon choice for young men in Thailand, where almost 90% of the country is Buddhist and is also not a lifelong commitment.While ordaining as a full monk is only available to men over 20, the boys will train as novices. It is not an uncommon choice for young men in Thailand, where almost 90% of the country is Buddhist and is also not a lifelong commitment.
While some choose to remain monks for their entire lives, most Buddhists ordain for just a few years.While some choose to remain monks for their entire lives, most Buddhists ordain for just a few years.
When they are ordained as novices it is reported the boys will donate their merit to the memory of Saman, which is the highest honour in Buddhism. It is thought they will ordain as novices at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most sacred temples in northern Thailand.When they are ordained as novices it is reported the boys will donate their merit to the memory of Saman, which is the highest honour in Buddhism. It is thought they will ordain as novices at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most sacred temples in northern Thailand.
It has also been seen as a fitting choice because the boy’s football coach Ekkapol Chantawong had trained as a novice monk for over a decade, before leaving three years ago.It has also been seen as a fitting choice because the boy’s football coach Ekkapol Chantawong had trained as a novice monk for over a decade, before leaving three years ago.
During the nine days they were all trapped in the cave, without contact from the outside world, Ekkapol taught the boys meditation and used Buddhist prayer as a vital way to keep their energy and spirits up.During the nine days they were all trapped in the cave, without contact from the outside world, Ekkapol taught the boys meditation and used Buddhist prayer as a vital way to keep their energy and spirits up.
Here’s what we know about the boys and their coach:Here’s what we know about the boys and their coach:
Ekaphol Chantawong, 25, the coach, nicknamed AkeEkaphol Chantawong, 25, the coach, nicknamed Ake
The assistant coach of the Wild Boars took his squad into the cave on 23 June. He was once ordained as a Buddhist monk, and since leaving the order has spent much of his time caring for his grandmother. Thai news outlets have reported that the authorities have not ruled out charging him with a crime, but Thai government spokesman Lt Gen Werachon Sukondhapatipak told the Guardian that “no one is talking about that”.The assistant coach of the Wild Boars took his squad into the cave on 23 June. He was once ordained as a Buddhist monk, and since leaving the order has spent much of his time caring for his grandmother. Thai news outlets have reported that the authorities have not ruled out charging him with a crime, but Thai government spokesman Lt Gen Werachon Sukondhapatipak told the Guardian that “no one is talking about that”.
Werachon said the coach’s presence had been a comfort to the boys: “The coach is advising them that they need to lie down, of course [try] meditation, try not to move their bodies too much, try not to waste their energy. And of course, by meditation, they stay conscious all the time, so their mind will not be wandering around.”Werachon said the coach’s presence had been a comfort to the boys: “The coach is advising them that they need to lie down, of course [try] meditation, try not to move their bodies too much, try not to waste their energy. And of course, by meditation, they stay conscious all the time, so their mind will not be wandering around.”
In a letter written inside the cave and delivered to the parents of the Wild Boars last week, Chantawong, who has coached the team for more than three years, apologised and promised to take care of their children.In a letter written inside the cave and delivered to the parents of the Wild Boars last week, Chantawong, who has coached the team for more than three years, apologised and promised to take care of their children.
The parents wrote back: “Don’t blame yourself … No parents are angry with you at all, so don’t you worry about that.”The parents wrote back: “Don’t blame yourself … No parents are angry with you at all, so don’t you worry about that.”
Adul Sam-on, 14, nicknamed DulAdul Sam-on, 14, nicknamed Dul
He was the boy who called out in English to ask the British divers what day it was when they first reached the team. He added that he and his friends were hungry. His teammates, unable to follow the conversation, chattered “eat, eat, eat” with the little English they had. Adul assured his friends: “I already told them.”He was the boy who called out in English to ask the British divers what day it was when they first reached the team. He added that he and his friends were hungry. His teammates, unable to follow the conversation, chattered “eat, eat, eat” with the little English they had. Adul assured his friends: “I already told them.”
His English skills have won him the admiration of millions in Thailand, where fewer than 30% of the population speak the language. According to local news outlets, his knowledge of English comes from his involvement in church activities. He also speaks Thai, Mandarin, and Burmese, which he learned living just over the border in Shan state, Myanmar. Like many students in Thailand’s Mae Sai district, he commutes over the border every day.His English skills have won him the admiration of millions in Thailand, where fewer than 30% of the population speak the language. According to local news outlets, his knowledge of English comes from his involvement in church activities. He also speaks Thai, Mandarin, and Burmese, which he learned living just over the border in Shan state, Myanmar. Like many students in Thailand’s Mae Sai district, he commutes over the border every day.
Mongkhol Boonpiam,13, nicknamed Mark.Mongkhol Boonpiam,13, nicknamed Mark.
Along with the coach and Adul Sam-on, Boonpiam is technically stateless.Along with the coach and Adul Sam-on, Boonpiam is technically stateless.
His family come from northern Thailand’s porous and largely lawless border regions abutting Myanmar’s Shan state. As such the three are not considered citizens under Thai law, leaving them without many of the rights their teammates enjoy.His family come from northern Thailand’s porous and largely lawless border regions abutting Myanmar’s Shan state. As such the three are not considered citizens under Thai law, leaving them without many of the rights their teammates enjoy.
Thailand’s sports daily Siamsport reported that Mark has been playing football since he was in nursery school and loves the sport so much that he almost always wears a football shirt. His favourite team is Muangthong United, the leading team in the Thai Premier League.Thailand’s sports daily Siamsport reported that Mark has been playing football since he was in nursery school and loves the sport so much that he almost always wears a football shirt. His favourite team is Muangthong United, the leading team in the Thai Premier League.
He was has been named by Thai media as one of first four boys to be rescued from the cave.He was has been named by Thai media as one of first four boys to be rescued from the cave.
“I just heard his name, Mongkhol, and I was happy enough,” his mother said.“I just heard his name, Mongkhol, and I was happy enough,” his mother said.
Prajak Sutham, 14, nicknamed NotePrajak Sutham, 14, nicknamed Note
He occasionally plays in goal when he is not in midfield. He has been playing football for two years and is known to be keen mountain biker.He occasionally plays in goal when he is not in midfield. He has been playing football for two years and is known to be keen mountain biker.
In a note to his family written while trapped in the cave he wrote: “Mum, are you doing well at home? I am doing well. Please tell my teacher I love her. Love you, mum.”In a note to his family written while trapped in the cave he wrote: “Mum, are you doing well at home? I am doing well. Please tell my teacher I love her. Love you, mum.”
He was also named as one of first four boys to be rescued from the cave.He was also named as one of first four boys to be rescued from the cave.
Nattawut Takamsai, 14 nicknamed TleNattawut Takamsai, 14 nicknamed Tle
He was one of three strikers trapped in the cave.He was one of three strikers trapped in the cave.
His mother wrote to all the team while they were trapped saying: “Please don’t blame yourself.”His mother wrote to all the team while they were trapped saying: “Please don’t blame yourself.”
She added: “We are not mad at you at all. Do take good care of yourself. Don’t forget to cover yourself with blanket as the weather is cold. We’re worried. You will come out soon.”She added: “We are not mad at you at all. Do take good care of yourself. Don’t forget to cover yourself with blanket as the weather is cold. We’re worried. You will come out soon.”
She also told the coach: “We want you to know that no parents are angry with you at all, so don’t you worry about that.”She also told the coach: “We want you to know that no parents are angry with you at all, so don’t you worry about that.”
Pipat Bodhi, 15, nicknamed NickPipat Bodhi, 15, nicknamed Nick
He is not a member of the Wild Boars team but joined the team’s practice match on 23 June to spend time with his friend Ekkarat Wongsookchan.He is not a member of the Wild Boars team but joined the team’s practice match on 23 June to spend time with his friend Ekkarat Wongsookchan.
As one of the strongest he was one of the first boys rescued from the cave.As one of the strongest he was one of the first boys rescued from the cave.
In a video released by the hospital over the weekend he said: “Thank you. I’m okay. I like to have rice with roast red pork and crispy pork.”In a video released by the hospital over the weekend he said: “Thank you. I’m okay. I like to have rice with roast red pork and crispy pork.”
Panumas Saeangdee, 13, nicknamed MickPanumas Saeangdee, 13, nicknamed Mick
Mick has been described as an ideal defender because of his fitness and fluid movement. However, his coaches have recently considered playing him as a striker because he is strong in the air and skilful with his head. He is said to play as well as a 15-year-old.Mick has been described as an ideal defender because of his fitness and fluid movement. However, his coaches have recently considered playing him as a striker because he is strong in the air and skilful with his head. He is said to play as well as a 15-year-old.
His family sat in vigil outside the cave after the boys went missing. “We all are sad and hope to see him soon,” his aunt told reporters.His family sat in vigil outside the cave after the boys went missing. “We all are sad and hope to see him soon,” his aunt told reporters.
She was been sitting vigil with Mick’s mother and grief-stricken grandfather who at the time had barely spoken in days.She was been sitting vigil with Mick’s mother and grief-stricken grandfather who at the time had barely spoken in days.
“I’m taking care of his Grandpa... he hasn’t eaten much. He was the one who raised Mick, so I’m trying to comfort him,” she told AFP.“I’m taking care of his Grandpa... he hasn’t eaten much. He was the one who raised Mick, so I’m trying to comfort him,” she told AFP.
Speaking in the hospital video he said: “I’m fine. I’m safe now. I’m healthy. I like to have pork fried with basil. Thank you.”Speaking in the hospital video he said: “I’m fine. I’m safe now. I’m healthy. I like to have pork fried with basil. Thank you.”
Duangpetch Promthep, 13, nicknamed DomDuangpetch Promthep, 13, nicknamed Dom
The captain of the Wild Boar team and one of three forwards trapped in the cave.The captain of the Wild Boar team and one of three forwards trapped in the cave.
His teammates on the U16 squad say he has the qualities of a leader and a good sense of humour. Dom has been invited to trials by a number of leading provincial teams, including Sukhothai FC and Chiangrai United FC.His teammates on the U16 squad say he has the qualities of a leader and a good sense of humour. Dom has been invited to trials by a number of leading provincial teams, including Sukhothai FC and Chiangrai United FC.
His beaming mother Thanaporn Promthep, was photographed with a an image of her son on an iPad after hearing the news that the group was found on July.His beaming mother Thanaporn Promthep, was photographed with a an image of her son on an iPad after hearing the news that the group was found on July.
Recovering in hospital he said: “I’m healthy. Thank you for [your] help. I like to have rice with stewed pork leg.”Recovering in hospital he said: “I’m healthy. Thank you for [your] help. I like to have rice with stewed pork leg.”
Chanin Wiboonrungrueng, 11 nicknamed TitanChanin Wiboonrungrueng, 11 nicknamed Titan
Titan is the youngest Wild Boars player. He has been playing football for five years. When he joined his school’s sports club three years ago, he was invited to play for the Wild Boars.Titan is the youngest Wild Boars player. He has been playing football for five years. When he joined his school’s sports club three years ago, he was invited to play for the Wild Boars.
He was one of the 11th boy to be rescued.He was one of the 11th boy to be rescued.
After the rescue his father, named Tanawut, said his son described the first three days in the cave as the hardest. The group was hungry and cold. The boys had trouble sleeping, and Titan cried, because he was missing his parent.After the rescue his father, named Tanawut, said his son described the first three days in the cave as the hardest. The group was hungry and cold. The boys had trouble sleeping, and Titan cried, because he was missing his parent.
Tanawut says he’s touched by the actions of the team’s coach. Without him, the father says, he doesn’t know how the kids could have survived.Tanawut says he’s touched by the actions of the team’s coach. Without him, the father says, he doesn’t know how the kids could have survived.
“Coach Ake hugged and encouraged him to be strong,” Tanawut told CBS.“Coach Ake hugged and encouraged him to be strong,” Tanawut told CBS.
Ekkarat Wongsookchan, 14 nicknamed BewEkkarat Wongsookchan, 14 nicknamed Bew
The squad’s goalkeeper has reportedly improved his game over the past few years as a result of his disciplined personality. At the end of each training session, he steps up to collect the team’s equipment.The squad’s goalkeeper has reportedly improved his game over the past few years as a result of his disciplined personality. At the end of each training session, he steps up to collect the team’s equipment.
While trapped in the cave he wrote to his parents saying: ‘Don’t worry about me, dad and mum. I’ll be away for just two weeks. I’ll later help you, mum, sell goods when I have time. I’ll rush out of here.”While trapped in the cave he wrote to his parents saying: ‘Don’t worry about me, dad and mum. I’ll be away for just two weeks. I’ll later help you, mum, sell goods when I have time. I’ll rush out of here.”
In a video released by the Thai ministry of health Bew is shown in his hospital bed raising his arms in a boxer’s victory pose.In a video released by the Thai ministry of health Bew is shown in his hospital bed raising his arms in a boxer’s victory pose.
He said: “say thanks to everyone that worried”.He said: “say thanks to everyone that worried”.
Peerapat Sompiangjai, 16 nicknamed NitePeerapat Sompiangjai, 16 nicknamed Nite
It was Peerapat’s birthday the group were celebrating when they entered the cave.It was Peerapat’s birthday the group were celebrating when they entered the cave.
His sister told AFP the family had prepared a birthday cake for the right-winger along with grilled pork to celebrate with him that night.His sister told AFP the family had prepared a birthday cake for the right-winger along with grilled pork to celebrate with him that night.
A member of his cycling club, Sittthisak Sawanrak, told the BBC he was quiet but “a great lad who just loves to cycle and play football”.A member of his cycling club, Sittthisak Sawanrak, told the BBC he was quiet but “a great lad who just loves to cycle and play football”.
He said he was looking forward to eating barbecued pork when he gets home.He said he was looking forward to eating barbecued pork when he gets home.
Pornchai Kamluang, 16 nicknamed TeePornchai Kamluang, 16 nicknamed Tee
One of the defenders on the Wild Boar team.One of the defenders on the Wild Boar team.
“Don’t worry, I’m very happy”, he said in a letter to his parents while trapped in the cave.“Don’t worry, I’m very happy”, he said in a letter to his parents while trapped in the cave.
In his hospital video message he said: “I want to eat fried rice with crispy pork. Thank you for sending us your support.”In his hospital video message he said: “I want to eat fried rice with crispy pork. Thank you for sending us your support.”
Sompong Jaiwong, 13 nicknamed PongSompong Jaiwong, 13 nicknamed Pong
One of the team’s midfielders he was pictured in a red England shirt while huddled in the cave.One of the team’s midfielders he was pictured in a red England shirt while huddled in the cave.
In a note to parents, written while trapped in the cave, he wrote: “I love you dad and mum. Don’t worry. We are all safe now. Love you all.”In a note to parents, written while trapped in the cave, he wrote: “I love you dad and mum. Don’t worry. We are all safe now. Love you all.”
In his hospital video message he said: “Thank you everyone from around the globe for helping us.In his hospital video message he said: “Thank you everyone from around the globe for helping us.
“I’m healthy. I like to eat basil pork with a fried egg.”“I’m healthy. I like to eat basil pork with a fried egg.”
Welcome to live our coverage of an eagerly-awaited press conference due to be given by the Wild Boar football team after their dramatic rescue from the Tham Luang cave complex last week.Welcome to live our coverage of an eagerly-awaited press conference due to be given by the Wild Boar football team after their dramatic rescue from the Tham Luang cave complex last week.
The 45-minute press conference, which will be broadcast live on national TV and around the world, is due to begin at 6pm local time (12pm BST).The 45-minute press conference, which will be broadcast live on national TV and around the world, is due to begin at 6pm local time (12pm BST).
The 12 boys, aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach have been recovering from their ordeal in Chiang Rai Prachanukroh hospital. They are due to be discharged, a day earlier than expected, after talking to the media.The 12 boys, aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach have been recovering from their ordeal in Chiang Rai Prachanukroh hospital. They are due to be discharged, a day earlier than expected, after talking to the media.
The Thai authorities hope the press conference will satisfy huge media interest in the boys’ story. They have been concerned about the impact of sudden fame and media attention on the boys’ mental health, so the news conference will be carefully controlled.The Thai authorities hope the press conference will satisfy huge media interest in the boys’ story. They have been concerned about the impact of sudden fame and media attention on the boys’ mental health, so the news conference will be carefully controlled.
Journalists have submitted questions which have been vetted by psychologists. Approved questions will be asked by an official.Journalists have submitted questions which have been vetted by psychologists. Approved questions will be asked by an official.
This controlled approach means the boys are unlikely to be asked about the controversy over Elon Musk’s rejected offers of help during the rescue and his subsequent attack on officials and one of the British divers involved in the rescue. (Musk has since apologised).This controlled approach means the boys are unlikely to be asked about the controversy over Elon Musk’s rejected offers of help during the rescue and his subsequent attack on officials and one of the British divers involved in the rescue. (Musk has since apologised).
Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd, said: “We want to reduce public curiosity. We arrange it so that, after that, the boys can go back to their regular lives,” Sansern said.Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd, said: “We want to reduce public curiosity. We arrange it so that, after that, the boys can go back to their regular lives,” Sansern said.
At a video played at a press conference over the weekend, the boys appeared in good spirits, thanking those involved in their rescue.At a video played at a press conference over the weekend, the boys appeared in good spirits, thanking those involved in their rescue.
They also posed for a photograph with a drawing of former Navy Seal diver Saman Kunan who died on 6 July while placing oxygen tanks along the passageways of the cave.They also posed for a photograph with a drawing of former Navy Seal diver Saman Kunan who died on 6 July while placing oxygen tanks along the passageways of the cave.
The boys were moved to tears after being told of Kunan’s death over the weekend.The boys were moved to tears after being told of Kunan’s death over the weekend.