The 12 Wild Boars boys and their coach whose dramatic rescue from Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai in July riveted the whole world  said today they have a dream of leading Thailand’s soccer team into the World Cup.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the Ministry of Culture at Siam Paragon after their arrival from Chiang Rai this morning,  the boys said they have all settled back into their normal life and have been hard at their study.

The boys, wearing yellow polo shirts and dark sports pants, thanked everyone who helped them survive their ordeal.  They said they learned to conquer fears through meditation while in captivity in the flooded cave.

Most of them said they intended to continue playing soccer and hope that one day they will take Thailand into the World Cup.    The boys were trapped in the cave during the World Cup in Russia but were fortunate enough to have been brought out to safety to be able to watch some of its final matches.

The 13 cave survivors will be the stars of the reception this evening to be held at the Dusit Palace Plaza by the government to thank all those involved in the rescue operation.  More than 10,000 people are expected to turn up for what will be billed as party of the year.

More than 2,000 people from Chiang Rai were transported in a convoy of vans to attend the reception, entitled “United as One”, in the capital.

Australian anaesthesiologist and underwater cave explorer Richard Harris, considered a national hero for his role in ensuring all the boys emerged from the cave safely, has reportedly arrived in Thailand for the event which is scheduled to begin at 6 pm and last until 9 pm.