
The 12 young footballers and the coach of the "Wild Boar" football team trapped deep inside a waterlogged Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district have directly communicated for the first time to family members waiting for them outside.
The group has asked for different types of food such as fried chicken, grilled pork, BBQ buffet and, heartbreakingly, to "go straight home" in a series of letters delivered to their parents yesterday by rescue divers taking part in the rescue mission.
And the 25-year-old football coach Ekkapol Chantawong has apologised to the parents of the 11 to 16-year-olds in his letter.
The group, who entered the cave on June 23, are stranded on a rock shelf in a small chamber about 5 kilometres from the entrance. The letters written in blue pen reflect the boys' longing to reunite with their families and resume their normal lives.
"Mum and Dad, don't worry that I've been missing for two weeks. I will help you at the shop soon when I'm out," wrote Akekarat "Bill" Woongsookjan, in one of the short notes released to the public yesterday.
Duangpetch "Dom" Phromthep, 13, wrote in Kam Muang (Northern Thai dialect) to his parents; "I'm fine but it's a little bit cold. Don't worry and don't forget my birthday." At least two boys, Pipat "Nick" Phothi and Peerapat "Night" Sompueangchai, have already marked their teenage birthdays underground. Night's fell on June 23, the day the boys were trapped, and his family has kept his birthday cake in the fridge ever since, hoping for a miracle.
Peerapat, 16, wrote: "I love Dad, Mum and [my] brother. Don't worry about me. Night loves everyone."
Chanin "Tun" Wiboonrungrueng, 11, the youngest one trapped underground, wrote: "Dad, Mum, don't worry I'm fine. Tell Yord, prepare to bring me fried chicken to eat."
Sompong "Pong" Jaiwong, 13, wrote: "Dear Mum and Dad, I love you. Don't worry, I'm safe. Love you all."
Adul "Dul" Sam-on, 14, wrote : "Don't worry about us now. I miss everyone. I want to go back now."
Mongkol "Mark" Boonpiam, 14, wrote: "Are you OK at home, mum? Please tell my teacher. Love you, mum." Nattawut "Tle" Takamsai, 14, wrote: "I miss Mum, Dad and Jubjang too. I love both of you. Don't worry, I can take care of myself."
Prajak "Note" Sutham, 14, wrote: "I'm safe, don't worry. Love you Mum, Dad and everyone." Pornchai "Tee" Kamluang, 16, wrote: "Mum, Dad, brother and family. Don't worry, I'm doing fine."
Panumas "Mick" Saengdee, 13, wrote: "Don't worry. I really miss everyone. Grandpa, uncle, Dad, Mum and brothers. I love you all. I'm doing fine. SEAL team is taking care of me well. Love you all."
One note, written by a Navy SEAL who is with the boys at Nern Nom Sao Slope, said the boys want to tell everyone outside, "Don't worry, they are fine, they are all strong." They have also asked their teachers not to give them lots of homework.
Coach Ake also wrote to his family, and in a separate letter apologises to the parents and vows to do his best to care for the kids. "Thank you for your support and I am so sorry to everyone." he wrote.