Boys, coach rescued from cave to leave hospital Thursday

Roasted pork, steamed rice, steak, sushi and KFC. That’s what the 12 rescued Thai boys and their soccer coach will seek out after they finally leave the hospital.

Doctors say the team, which survived a harrowing rescue from a flooded cave in northern Thailand last week, will be released from Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital on Thursday.

Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsattayatorn told reporters Saturday that the boys, ranging from 11 to 16 years old, and their 25-year-old coach were healthy.

“All of the 13 people, their physical bodies are strong and fit. Regarding infections, through the medical evaluations in the first days there may be some of them that had minor pneumonia, but now all is cleared, no fever,” Piyasakol said.

Several also were reported earlier to be recovering from minor lung and middle ear infections.

In a hospital video recorded Friday, the boys sent messages to well-wishers and started each with a “wai,” the traditional Thai greeting with hands raised to chest level and palms together.

The boys were shown in their sterile hospital rooms wearing surgical masks to ward off infections. Despite the physical progress, doctors warned the group still faces a psychological test to ensure their well-being.

A hospital statement said the boys should avoid mental stress, spend time with only friends and family and avoid media exposure that could trigger posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.

The boys were trapped for more than two weeks in the cave.

Thai navy SEALs guided boys oneby-one along the 2.5-mile route. Each boy was given a diving suit, gloves, helmet and a full-face diving mask for the trip, tethered to an oxygen tank.

Contributing: Associated Press