The deputy village head in Sayaboury Province apologized after posting comments seen as inappropriate toward the Thai rescue team assisting in the search for seven villagers trapped in a flooded cave in Longcheng town, amid heavy criticism from Laotian and Thai communities as the rescue operation continues.
On 26 May 2026, Somchai Wilaiwong, deputy village head in Sayaboury Province, Laos, publicly apologized after posting on social media about the Thai rescue team involved in searching for seven villagers trapped inside a flooded cave in Longcheng town, which sparked heavy criticism in both Laos and Thailand.
The controversy arose after Somchai commented under a post sharing a call for help from the Laotian Volunteer Association, suggesting the Thai rescue team joined the mission seeking fame. His language was also viewed as disrespectful because he used the pronoun "มัน" (translated as "it"), which in Lao typically refers to objects or animals, leading many to interpret it as an insult to the volunteers. This message quickly spread online, prompting widespread criticism.
Later on 26 May, Somchai posted a video on his personal Facebook, apologizing to society and all rescue volunteers. He admitted his remarks came from incomplete understanding and caused harm to those involved. He affirmed his support for all agencies assisting villagers to exit the cave safely and promised to be more careful to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, the search operation continues for the seven villagers trapped inside the cave since 20 May, when heavy rains caused floodwaters to block the cave entrance. The mission involves multiple parties: Laotian volunteer teams, divers from Laos and Thailand, medical staff, and local villagers. Sayaboury provincial authorities coordinate location management, medical teams, and safety. So far, contact with the trapped villagers has not been established, and the search continues with hopes of reaching the area where they are believed to be as soon as possible.