Leaders of the rescue effort at Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai are
considering whether it will be practical to bring out the 12 trapped
young footballers and their coach from the flooded cave over the next few days.
It would be "favourable" to stage an evacuation before fresh rain
and a possible rise in carbon dioxide sets in, according to former
Chiang Rai governor Narongsak Osotthanakorn who has been put in
charge of the rescue operation.
"Now, water in the cave is down to satisfactory levels and the
weather is fine. The boys' health has begun to improve and they have now
learned the basics of diving," said Mr Narongsak, who is now Phayao governor.
"In the next two or three days, the conditions may be perfect to carry out the rescue plan,'' he told reporters yesterday afternoon.
The main concern is now the level of oxygen in the cave, Mr
Narongsak said, adding that more clean air has been fed into the cave
and more oxygen tanks have been brought in.
The number of rescuers operating in the cave complex will now be kept to a minimum to preserve oxygen and prevent a possible increase in carbon dioxide, Mr Narongsak said.
However, at least four rescuers will be sent in to look after the 12 boys and their coach who are sheltering on the ledge called Nern Nom Sao, he said.
Mr Narongsak added that two more British cave diving experts have arrived in Chiang Rai to support the rescue bid and another two from Britain will come today.
The number of rescuers operating in the cave complex will now be kept to a minimum to preserve oxygen and prevent a possible increase in carbon dioxide, Mr Narongsak said.
However, at least four rescuers will be sent in to look after the 12 boys and their coach who are sheltering on the ledge called Nern Nom Sao, he said.
Mr Narongsak added that two more British cave diving experts have arrived in Chiang Rai to support the rescue bid and another two from Britain will come today.
