Thai Rescue Teams Find 5 of 7 Cave-Trapped Survivors in Laos — Search Continues for Two

XAISOMBOUN, Laos — Five of seven people trapped inside a cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos, have been found alive by Thai rescue teams. All five are reported to be in good condition. The search for the remaining two continues.

The group entered the cave on 20 May and became trapped after heavy rain triggered a flash flood, sending rocks and debris cascading to block the entrance. For days, their families waited in anguish as rescue teams from both Thailand and Laos worked to reach them.

Thai rescue teams, known globally for their expertise in cave rescue operations following the famous Tham Luang rescue in 2018, were deployed to assist their Lao counterparts. The operation involved drilling through rock, navigating flooded passages, and carefully monitoring water levels to ensure the safety of both the trapped individuals and the rescuers.

When the first five survivors were located, the news spread quickly. Families broke down in tears of relief. Rescue workers, exhausted from days of continuous effort, allowed themselves a moment of quiet satisfaction before turning their attention back to the task at hand: finding the remaining two.

"We will not stop until everyone is found," said a Thai rescue team leader at the scene. "Every life matters."

The operation continues, with teams working around the clock. The world watches and hopes.

This is Ann Srisawat for Global1 News, reporting from Bangkok. 🇹🇭