Image from Facebook page Manat K Artmongkron
Following the ongoing rescue mission for two Lao nationals trapped in a cave, hope is growing after Thai rescuers tapped at the cave entrance to send signals. Recently, knocking and scraping sounds were heard in response from inside the cave’s limestone walls.
Progress in the search operation for seven missing Lao nationals trapped in a cave in Xaysomboun Province, central Lao PDR, since Tuesday, 19 May 2026, has seen several rescue agencies successfully extract five individuals previously found inside the cave. However, two Lao nationals remain missing, as previously reported.
On 1 June 2026, Mr. Manat Artmongkron, head of the Saitharn Rescue Association operation team, disclosed that the Rope team, specializing in high-altitude mountain rescue, conducted on-foot explorations tapping limestone walls every five meters to send sound signals vertically downward. They received responses in the form of knocking and scraping sounds from deep inside a cave shaft, believed to be signals from the two trapped individuals trying to communicate that they are still alive.
Currently, rescuers have not been able to reach the victims because Hall 5, where the two are believed to be sheltering, has a complex physical structure with multiple branching paths. Detailed information is being gathered from testimonies of the previously rescued survivors to plan and redefine the rescue route.
Today's mission focuses on water management—lowering the water level inside the cave as much as possible to allow rescuers to explore the area where the signals originated. This location is about 25 meters from where the first five individuals were found. If water levels can be sufficiently reduced, the trapped individuals may be able to walk out of the cave.
The rescue team is committed to continuing full operations to help extract the remaining two trapped victims from the cave as quickly as possible.