Rescuers in Thailand are trying to find alternative ways to rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped inside a cave complex for 13 days, as teams brace for heavy rain which could further delay the operation.

"We are trying to find alternative techniques to reach the 13," Chiang Rai Gov. Narongsak Osottanakorn told reporters late on Thursday.

"We have considered many alternatives to find the most feasible ones," he added.