Lao official apologises for remarks targeting Thai cave rescuers
A Laotian deputy village chief apologized for social media comments criticizing Thai volunteers helping rescue seven villagers trapped in a flooded cave in Xaysomboun province, after facing backlash from users in both countries.
VIENTIANE, Laos — A deputy village chief in Laos has issued a public apology after his social media comments disparaging Thai volunteers helping rescue seven villagers trapped in a flooded cave drew fierce backlash from users in both countries.
Somchay Vilayvong, a deputy village chief in Xaysomboun province, came under fire after posting a comment that many interpreted as demeaning toward the Thai rescue team, suggesting the volunteers had shown up uninvited in search of recognition.
The comment spread rapidly online, drawing criticism from both Lao and Thai social media users.
On 26 May 2026, Somchay posted a video apology on his personal Facebook account. He said his remarks stemmed from a lack of understanding and expressed sincere support for all agencies involved in the rescue effort, adding that he would avoid making similar comments in the future.
The incident unfolded against the backdrop of an ongoing rescue operation in Long Chaeng district, where seven villagers have been trapped underground since 20 May after heavy rain flooded the entrance to a cave. The operation gained wider attention on 22 May when a local influencer shared footage of the rescue after receiving it via Facebook Messenger.
Thai volunteers joined the effort following a call for assistance from a Lao volunteer association, whose request was reposted by a Thai Facebook page — the same post under which Somchay's controversial comment appeared.
