Thai cave rescue: coach led boys in meditation to keep them calm

The coach trapped with his 12 young charges grew up in a Buddhist monastery to become “physically and mentally strong’’.

Coach Ekkapol Chantawong, 25, is trapped in a cave with his soccer team in Thailand.

The football coach trapped with his 12 young charges inside the flooded cave in northern Thailand was just 10 years old when he lost his entire family — first his seven-year-old brother, then his mother, then a year later his father — to an illness that swept their home.

Ekkapol Chantawong, a “sad and lonely little boy” who was sent two years later — as Thai tradition dictates — to a Buddhist monastery, grew into a “physically and mentally strong” man who would be doing all he could to keep the children alive and calm, his aunt told The Australian yesterday.

For 12 days Umporn Sriwichai has been camped inside a tent in the swampy rescue site outside the cave, constantly monitoring a television screen and her smartphone for updates. When news came late on Monday that group had been found, she “clapped her hands and shouted out loud” with joy and ­relief.

She described her 25-year-old nephew, known as Coach Ake, as a “merciful man” who helps out in a monastery, would do anything to help people and who was devoted to his young team.

 

“He taught the boys in the cave to do their meditation,” she said. “The first time the English divers found them, the boys were meditating. The students told the rescuers that Akeake taught them how to do meditation to preserve the ­energy in their bodies.

“I know he would be keeping the boys calm and happy. He loves those boys very much because he lost his father when he was very young.”

Ms Umporn has been praying hard for Ake’s safe return. “I have been doing a lot of religious ceremonies to keep him alive,” she said. “Our family cannot handle another tragedy.”

The boys’ families also shared their excitement about the discovery of their sons.

When news broke that the entire team had been found, families could be seen cheering and embracing one another. Parents told local media they “cannot describe how delighted” they were on hearing their sons were safe.

Aisha Wiboonrungrueng, the mother of the youngest player, 11-year-old Chanin “Titan” Wiboonrungrueng, planned to cook her son his favourite meal, a Thai fried omelet, as soon as he returned.

A father told television crews he had been watching the news at home when he found out that rescuers had discovered his son alive and well. “When I saw the news, I was shocked and happy,” he said.

Another father said he could hear “cheering from the rescue workers” when news travelled up to the cave’s entrance. “I have hope now that I am going to get to see my son alive,” he said.

One ecstatic mother said she had been waiting for news “for so many days” and was desperate to find her son after being told he had only a 50 per cent chance of survival. “I am so excited. The first thing I will do is hug him,” she said.

Many families held prayer vigils beside the mouth of the cave.

Thinnakorn Boonpium spent days standing in the rain near the cave, praying for news of his 13-year-old son, Mongkol Boonpium.

Mr Boonpium told AFP that his son, who joined the Wild Boars a year ago, was a “good boy” who loved learning almost as much as he loved football.

He said he had no idea the team planned to trek into the caves.

Relatives of 13-year-old Phanumas “Mix” Saengdee said his family was grief-stricken. Mix’s mother and grandfather were reportedly unable to speak for days.

Sompong “Pong” Chaiwong, 13, joined the Wild Boars to chase his dream of playing football for his country. His teacher told AFP Pong dreamt of becoming a footballer for the Thai national team.

“Pong is a cheerful boy, he likes football, and every sport,” she said.

Military carry equipment into the Tham Luang Nang Non cave to continue the rescue operation. Picture: Getty Images.

Additional reporting: Rhian Deutrom