Thailand: All rescued soccer team members in good health

Hanoi (VNA) – All members of the teenage soccer team rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand and rescuers are in good health but they need to be monitored for about two weeks, local health officials said.

The team’s members lost an average of two kilogrammes after almost 20 days trapped in the flooded Tham Luang cave but they showed no signs of stress, Thongchai Lertwilairatanapong, a public health inspector, told a press conference in Chiang Rai city where the team is recovering.

Two of the first group had a lung infection, Thongchai said, adding that they would need medicine for seven days.

The boys were in isolation in the hospital to prevent infections by outsiders. But family members have seen at least some of the boys from behind a glass barrier, and after a period of time with no problems, the family members would be allowed closer while dressed in sterilized clothing.

Health officials have also previously said the boys would get a mental health evaluation, to address any problems caused by their ordeal. Outside experts have said the group identity of the soccer teammates and their youth would aid their ability to recover.

The 12 boys, who are members of the “Wild Boars” football team, aged between 11 and 16 years, had been exploring the cave with their 25 year-old coach on June 23, when heavy seasonal rains flooded the cave's entrance, forcing the group to go further and further into the labyrinth of tunnels in search of higher ground.

They were found alive on July 2 after 10 days of being trapped in the flooded cave complex.

A team of 90 divers, including 50 from foreign countries, participated in the rescue efforts which ended successfully on July 10, with all the members and their coach brought out safely from the cave.

However, a former navy SEAL, Saman Kunan, died on July 6 while replenishing air tanks inside the cave.-VNA