Thailand Youth Soccer Team Released From Hospital

Twelve members of a youth soccer team and their coach who were trapped in an underground cave for more than two weeks have spoken out about their experience for the first time. 

According to CNN, the 12 members of the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach were present at a press conference addressing the world's media Wednesday after being discharged from the hospital earlier that day. Dressed in matching uniforms, the group appeared happy and relaxed as they chatted about what it was like to hear the voice of their rescuers for the first time. 

The team was joined by the Thai Navy SEALs who remained with them after they were found and a team of medical professionals and specialist doctors who helped them recover. 

The group says they were working on digging holes, trying to find an exit, when some of the boys said they thought they heard the sound of people talking.

The group's 25-year-old coach, Ekkapol Chanthawong (known to his team as 'Ake'), told the group to stay quiet. He then asked one of the boys to move toward the ledge they had taken refuge on, away from the water, and shine a flashlight to see what was happening. That's when 14-year-old Ardoon Sam-aon volunteered for the mission. 

When British divers breached the surface, Ardoon told reporters that he felt so shocked, all he could think of to say was "hello!"

The coach says the team entered the dangerous cave complex because the boys were curious about what was inside since they'd never been before. Ake told reporters that it wasn't unusual for the team to participate in group activities after they finished up soccer practice. 

The group explored the caves for about an hour before deciding to turn back. Unfortunately, the tunnels had become partially flooded, forcing the group to head back. That's when the team realized they had become trapped. 

When the team was asked what lessons they took away from their experience, the 25-year-old coach says he would live life more carefully. Ardoon told reporters that people can't predict the future, but he'd learned about the consequences of acting careless. 

Photo: Getty Images


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