Thai cave boys to be released from hospital on Thursday

The Thai boys rescued from a flooded cave will be discharged from hospital next week.

The team of 12 youth footballers and their coach are recovering physically and mentally, Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, the health minister, said today. They will be able to leave from Thursday.

“We need to prepare both the children and their families for the attention they will receive when they come out,” Mr Piyasakol said.

Relatives have been allowed to enter the hospital ward where they are recovering but frustrations remain over strict restrictions on visiting time.

Visits are limited to 15 minutes and are by appointment only. Family members are admitted one at a time and depending on availability may only see the boys once a day. Those who wish to see their loved ones must visit their local clinic to fill out a form and be screened for any contagious disease.

The head football coach Nopparat Kanthawong, whose colleague Ekkapol Chantawong was trapped in the cave with the boys, said he was becoming increasingly frustrated by the bureaucracy involved in trying to see them. The families are being banned from passing him updates on the boys’ health.

“I have not visited the kids yet because there are too many restrictions imposed by the hospital,” he said. Instead he wrote a letter for the authorities to pass on to the boys.

“I love you all. Everyone is looking forward to your returning. We hope you recover soon and are reunited with us. There are plans to train together again but please do not worry. Let yourselves get well first,” he said, summarising what he wrote. In a personal note to Mr Ekkapol, he wrote: “Please do not blame yourself. It’s not your fault.”

Source: The Times