CHIAN RAI, Thailand, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Thai authorities announced on Sunday morning to clear the area near the cave where 12 boys and their coach have been trapped for more than two weeks, raising speculations that further rescue operation could take place soon.

Media and others not involved in the rescue operation have been asked to leave the site near the cave where most of them have been gathering and keeping watch the rescue operation. Large media contingent packed their stuffs and moved to a subdistrict administration area at the foot of the mountain.

According to reporters near the spots in early Sunday, several ambulances have arrived at the cave site.

The 12 footballers, aged between 11 and 16 and their coach, 25, went missing in the cave since June 23. Rescue teams launched a round-the-clock search and found them on July 2.