Thai boys share lessons learnt in cave with the whole world
The 12 boys and their soccer coach rescued from a cave in northern Thailand left their hospital yesterday and appeared before the world’s media.
The boys, aged between 11 and 16, and their 25-year-old coach looked healthy and happy, and said the ordeal made them stronger and taught them not to live carelessly.
They entered the conference to applause from all present and put on a quick demonstration of their ball-handling skills on a miniature football pitch set up in the hall.
They then hugged their friends before taking seats up front with doctors and members of the Thai navy Seal unit who dived to bring them out, along with others who helped them during their ordeal, which ended after more than two weeks.
“I feel stronger, I have more patience, endurance, tolerance,” said Mongkol Boonpiam, 13.
Adul Samon, 14, said: “This experience teaches me not to live life carelessly.”
Several said they wanted to become professional football players, while four said they wanted to emulate the heroes who saved them. “I want to be a navy Seal because I want to help others,” one said.
All said they want to apologise to their parents, most of whom they had not told in advance about the trek to the cave after football practice.
“I know my mum is going to punish me. I am in big trouble with my mother,” one boys said when asked what he expected to happen when he got home.
Doctors said the 13 were healthy in body and mind. They said the boys gained an average of three kilograms since they were rescued, after losing an average 4kg during their two-week ordeal.
The conference was the first opportunity that the members of the team had to speak to the world. Officials reviewed questions in advance to make certain they would not cause damaging psychological effects to the teenagers.