‘Teacher, don’t give us lots of homework’ trapped Thai boy write from cave

The Thai boys trapped in a cave have exchanged emotional letters with their parents, for the first time since their ordeal began two weeks ago.

Don’t worry, we are all strong, one child said in a note.

Teacher, don’t give us lots of homework! he joked.

The team’s coach apologised to parents in a separate letter, but parents wrote that he should not blame himself.

The 12 boys and the coach were exploring the cave when they became trapped by flood waters on 23 June.

The handwritten letters from the group were handed to British divers on Friday and released on the Thai Navy Seal Facebook page on Saturday.

Don’t worry about me, I’m safe. a boy nicknamed Pong said.

Another wrote: 

Nick loves Mum and Dad and siblings. If I can get out, Mum and Dad please bring me mookatha (Thai barbecue) to eat.

In his letter, the 25-year-old coach Ekkapol Chantawong said: 

Dear all kids’ parents, now all of them are fine, the rescue team is treating us well.

And I promise I will take care of the kids as best as I can… I also sincerely apologise to the kids’ parents.

In their letters, posted on the local government’s Facebook page, several parents make clear that they do not blame the coach.

Mums and dads are not angry at you. Thank you for helping take care of the kids, one said.

Another reads: 

Tell Coach Ake: Don’t think too much. We are not angry at him.

It was the first communication since attempts to establish a phone line inside the cave failed earlier this week.

Above ground, a huge military and civilian rescue operation is racing against the clock to bring the boys to safety. Heavy monsoon rains are expected on Sunday, threatening further flooding.