CAVE BOYS TO GO HOME THIS WEEK Lads pose for snaps in hospital and say thank-you
THE 12 boys rescued from a flooded Thai cave system posed for photos yesterday as it emerged they will go home this week.
The footballers were snapped in hospital wearing medical masks as they battle back to health following their 18-day ordeal.
And having lost up to 11lb each, they told of how they look forward to gorging on treats including fried chicken and pork.
They also posted video wish lists and thanked the world for supporting them.
Adul Sam-on, 14, said: “I’m better. I’d like to have KFC.”
Sompong “Pong” Jaiwong, 13, said: ‘Thank-you everyone from around the globe for helping us. I like to eat basil pork with a fried egg.” Prajak “Note” Sutham, 14, said: “I am in good health now. Thanks for saving me.”
And Duangpetch “Dom” Promtep, 13, added: “I want pork knuckle rice. Thankyou for all the moral support.”
The group, aged 11 to 16, and coach Ekkapol Chantawong, 25, will be discharged on Thursday, Thai Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn said.
Photos released by the Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital yesterday also showed the lads sketching in their beds.
The boys made the “V for Victory” sign in other shots.
They have been in quarantine since the last of them was rescued from the Tham Luang cave on Tuesday, after a high-risk operation involving British divers.
Mr Piyasakol said some of the boys had pneumonia when they were admitted but are now in good health. He warned their relatives to resist giving interviews to the media over fears they could have a negative impact on their mental health.
Mr Piyasakol added: “Everyone has worked well together to bring the children out. We worked well together then and we should work well together now so the children can recover physically and mentally as they grow up.”
The group had planned to explore the caves after finishing football practice on June 23 but became trapped as heavy rains flooded the tunnels.
They were discovered inside a chamber deep inside on July 2.
Two Hollywood production companies are already said to be looking into films about the rescue.