Thailand's first young footballer was taken to hospital by helicopter.

The first player was brought out of the cave.

Thailand's Spring News reported that the first boy rescued from Tham Luang cave is named Mongkol Bunyiam, 13 years old. He was also the first person to be taken by rescue helicopter to Prachanukroh Hospital.

ReutersAlong with him, another member of the Wild Boars soccer team trapped in Tham Luang cave was successfully brought out of the cave, a local official said.

Rescue workers participate in the rescue mission. Photo: Reuters.

"The two boys are out. They are at the field hospital near the cave," said Tossathep Boonthong, head of the Chiang Rai provincial health department, part of the rescue operation.

"We have conducted medical checks. They have not been taken to Chiang Rai hospital yet," Mr Tossathep said.

Reporter John Irvine from the channelITVA sheriff also told him that two boys had been rescued. They appeared to be safe and stable.

Helicopter takes off from Tham Luang cave area towards Chiang Rai city, capital of Chiang Rai province. Photo: CNA.

Meanwhile, the newspaperStar OnlineThailand reports that at least three boys have been freed from the cave. The first boy emerged at 5:37 p.m. and the second at 5:50 p.m.

Al JazeeraA military source said the rescue operation had brought three boys out. Thailand's interior minister was on his way to a field hospital where the three boys were being monitored.

Two ambulances were seen leaving the Tham Luang cave and a helicopter took off. Several helicopters have been on standby outside the cave for hours, ready to take the boys to hospital in the provincial capital Chiang Rai.