Thai cave: Football coach apologizes to trapped boys' parents
What's the story
The 25-year-old coach of a youth football team trapped for two weeks in a Thai cave has offered his "apologies to the parents" of the boys in a note released by the Thai Navy today.
Thailand is holding its breath for the safe return of the team, with heavy rains forecast and fears mounting over the falling amount of oxygen in the cave.
Only adult
The only adult with the teenage boys
Ekkapol Chantawong was for nine days the only adult with the children, aged 11 to 16, until they were discovered by rescue divers on Monday.
"To all the parents, all the kids are still fine. I promise to take the very best care of the kids," he said in a note published on the Thai Navy SEAL Facebook page today.
Quote
Coach thanks well wishers for their moral support
"Thank you for all the moral support and I apologize to the parents," Chantawong stated. It is the first message from the coach, whose role in the team's predicament has split Thai social media.
Mixed views
Chantawong receives mixed responses from public
Many have lauded Chantawong after reports he shared his food with the kids before they were located and helped them get through nine days in the darkness.
Others have criticized him for agreeing to take the young boys into the cave during the monsoon season.
"To my grandma and aunt, I'm here. Don't be too worried. Please take care," Chantawong added in the letter.