Lao Official Apologizes After Remarks on Thai Rescue Team Spark Backlash

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A deputy village chief in Xaysomboun, Somchay Vilayvong, has issued a public apology after making remarks perceived as insulting toward a Thai rescue team assisting in the effort to save seven villagers trapped in a flooded cave in Long Chaeng district.

Somchay faced criticism after posting that the Thai rescuers “showed up on their own wanting recognition.” In Lao, he used the word “it” to refer to the volunteers, a term normally reserved for objects or animals.

The literal translation of his comment reads: “It shows its face on its own, wanting face (recognition),” which many interpreted as disparaging the Thai rescuers. The post spread rapidly on social media, drawing backlash from both Lao and Thai users.

The incident unfolded amid ongoing rescue efforts for villagers trapped since 20 May, after heavy rain flooded the cave entrance. A local influencer first shared footage of the operation on 22 May after receiving it via Facebook Messenger, reporting that the villagers had been underground for three days.

Controversy

Somchay’s controversial comment appeared on 23 May under a post by a Thai page reposting the Lao volunteer association’s request for help.

On 26 May, Somchay released a video apology on his personal Facebook account, saying: “I apologize to society and all rescue volunteers. My comments stemmed from a lack of understanding and caused damage. I sincerely support all agencies involved in helping Lao people escape safely and will avoid similar remarks in the future.”

Operations Continue

Rescue operations continued on 26 May. Two expert cave divers, Finnish Mikko Pietari Paasi and Thai Noraset Palasingh, entered submerged sections on 25 May but stopped due to low oxygen and narrow tunnels. Lao rescuers temporarily stepped back to allow the specialists to work while continuing to search for air vents and pump water.

The operation involves Lao volunteer associations, Thai and Lao divers, medical teams, and local guides. Provincial authorities coordinate logistics, medical support, and security, overseeing efforts alongside the Lao People’s Volunteer Association and Lao Heart Foundation.

Bouaphan Inthapanya, chairman of the Xaysomboun Provincial Administrative Committee, said teams face steep paths, narrow passages, sharp rocks, and persistent rain. Rescue teams hope diving operations will reach deeper sections where the villagers are believed to be located.

As of 26 May, no contact has been made, and the mission continues.

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