Vientiane authorities are moving forward with plans to compensate residents affected by sinkholes and ground subsidence linked to potash mining in Thongmang village, Xaythany district
According to the authorities, a 3-June discussion focused on establishing compensation rates for affected land, agricultural assets, crops, and structures damaged by ground collapse from mining activities.
Officials have not yet announced final compensation figures, but the discussions on a formal compensation framework is still ongoing.
Government Previous Responses
Thongmang village has seen five sinkhole collapses between May 2025 and January 2026, drawing nationwide attention. The most severe event occurred on 2 January, when a large sinkhole opened, leaving four villagers missing.
In response, authorities evacuated 38 households from high-risk areas as a precaution against further ground subsidence. Local officials continue to monitor the situation closely, aiming to ensure residents’ safety while assessing the stability of the surrounding terrain.
Following the incident, on 9 January, Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce Chansaweng Bounyong visited the affected area to meet residents, assess damage, and coordinate response efforts.
In July 2025, the authorities also responded to growing safety concerns by ordering mining operations to be halted, while ground stabilization measures have since been implemented under government supervision to help reduce the risk of further subsidence.
In the latest meeting, authorities said monitoring and risk assessment efforts remain ongoing as they seek long-term solutions for residents living in affected zones.
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