Justice deputy permanent secretary Thawatchai Thaikhieu today expressed disappointment at the conduct of some foreign journalists who defied advice of psychiatrists and child welfare officials against interviewing the young members of the Wild Boars soccer team after they were discharged from the hospital.

“Some foreign media have  acted below the professional standard which is something regrettable and unforgivable,” wrote Mr Thawatchai in his Facebook page.  He was apparently responding to an interview that a correspondent of ABC News had with one of the young survivors from Tham Luang cave.

The interview created an uproar on the Thai social media after it was aired last night, prompting calls for Thai authorities to take action against the American journalist.

“It is regrettable that foreign media that should be aware of the convention on children’s rights and the process to protect children and youths turnde out to have lower standard than we think. It appears as if they lack common sense and sense of responsibility despite the fact that Thailand has put in place a system to protect this group of children,” wrote Thawatchai in his post.

Child welfare officials and psychiatrists have urged the media to stay away from the 12 young footballers to avoid pressuring them to answer questions that might force them to revisit their harrowing experience.