Lao PM Sonexay Thanks Thailand for Xaysomboun Cave Rescue Support

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Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, sent a letter of gratitude to Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, expressing his appreciation for Thailand’s support in the search and rescue operation at a flooded cave in Xaysomboun Province.

In the letter, dated 7 June, Sonexay said that on behalf of the Government and the people of Laos, he wished to express sincere gratitude to the Government of Thailand for authorizing the Saithan Thailand Association, the Metta Tham Kalasin Rescue Unit, and the Sawang Sivilay Rescue Unit to assist in the rescue of seven Lao citizens trapped in a cave in Longchaeng District following heavy rainfall.

He noted that the Lao government highly valued the timely assistance and tireless efforts of the Thai rescue teams, who had worked alongside Lao units and international experts from 24 May onward. 

Sonexay added that five of the trapped individuals had been successfully rescued and that efforts to locate the remaining two missing persons were continuing. 

The letter was sent as Sonexay departed for an official visit to Vietnam, scheduled from 7 to 9 June.

Seven Villagers in Xaysomboun Cave

Flash floods trapped seven men inside the cave on 20 May. 

Rescue teams found five survivors on 27 May and spent days pumping out floodwater while delivering food, medicine, and essential supplies. They brought the first survivor out on 29 May and rescued the remaining four on 30 May, despite repeated setbacks caused by heavy rain.

On 6 June, rescue teams suspended operations inside the partially flooded cave after they detected signs of a possible collapse at the entrance, raising serious safety concerns. 

Despite more than 10 days of intensive searches, they have not located the two remaining villagers, who entered the cave separately.

Before leaving, rescuers placed food, drinking water, and emergency supplies at several points inside the cave in case the missing villagers were still alive.

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