Urgent: Five Laotians trapped inside a cave in Xaisomboun Province, Laos, for nearly a week have been found. Authorities are intensifying the search for two more individuals.
Update on the search operation for seven missing Laotians trapped inside a cave in Xaisomboun Province, central Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), since Tuesday, 19 May 2026 GMT+7.
Most recently, on 27 May 2026 GMT+7, reporters noted that the Facebook page of Pond Jakkrit Tangtong, a member of the Thai rescue team involved from the early days, posted good news confirming five trapped individuals have now been found.
Meanwhile, the Facebook page “Thailand Rescue Diver” confirmed the information, stating: “All five survivors from the gold mine collapse at Ban Long Chaeng, Xaisomboun Province, Lao PDR, have been located by cave diving experts. They are alive and in good health. The search continues for the remaining two individuals.”