THE 12 boys rescued from deep within a flooded cave in northern Thailand have made victory signs from their hospital beds in a video from the isolation ward where they are recuperating after an 18-day ordeal.
The youngest boy, 11, appeared asleep under a white sheet while others, including their 25-year-old football coach, sat in bed, their faces obscured by green surgical masks.
Nurses chatted with them and the boys responded with the customary Thai sign of respect - hands pressed together while bowing the head.
Parents watched and waved from behind a glass barrier, their faces vivid with emotion.
Chaiwetch Thanapaisal, director of Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, told a news conference: Everyone is strong n mind and heart.”
The four boys and their coach who were brought out Tuesday, the final day of a three-day push, had recovered more quickly than the boys rescued on Sunday and Monday, Mr Chaiwetch said.
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