Laos Cave Rescue: First Survivor Brought Out as Thai Divers Lead Emotional Operation

The First Rescue at 20:40 on Friday

Rescuers brought the first survivor out of the flooded cave in Xaisomboun province at exactly 20:40 on Friday. Thailand Rescue Diver, the Thai page tracking the operation, confirmed that five villagers named Khamla, Mued, Ee, Ing, and Laen were found alive inside the cave system located 120 kilometers north of Vientiane. Two others remain missing after the group entered on 19 May in search of gold deposits.

Thai Divers Meet the Trapped Men

Thai cave diver Norrased Palasing and Finnish diving instructor Miiko Paasi reached the men on a rock surrounded by floodwater. Norrased filmed the moment the five villagers, wearing headlamps, began to wail upon seeing their rescuers. Mued sent a direct message to his parents, saying he remained strong and would return home the next day. The divers immediately delivered soft food and water to ease the effects of dehydration.

Experience from the 2018 Tham Luang Rescue

Many of the Thai divers now working in Xaisomboun province also took part in the 2018 rescue of 12 schoolboys and their coach at Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province. Their knowledge of narrow, jagged passages and flooded sections proved essential when guiding teams through the cave in Longcheng district. Kengkaj Bongkawong, head of Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin, coordinates the Thai effort on the ground.

Lao-Thai Cooperation and Buddhist Compassion

Lao officials and Thai rescue teams have worked side by side for over a week. Bounphong Khammanyvong, a local official in Longcheng district, explained that rainwater flows directly into the low-lying cave entrance during storms. The spirit of metta, or loving-kindness, runs through both Thai and Lao Buddhist communities and guides the careful work of draining water while protecting the remaining men.

International Support and Next Steps

Divers from Indonesia, Japan, France, and Malaysia are arriving to assist. An overnight rainstorm has slowed the draining process, yet rescuers continue their efforts to bring the five survivors to safety and locate the two still missing. The operation reminds Thai readers in provinces such as Kalasin and Chiang Rai of the strength found when neighboring communities share both their skills and their compassion.