Thai rescue teams race against rising water in Laos cave mission

Thai rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach seven workers trapped inside a flooded gold mining cave in Laos, with rescuers saying they are now believed to be just 30 metres away from the point where the survivors may be sheltering.

The men have been trapped inside the cave in Long Chaeng district, Xaisomboun province, since 19 May after heavy rain caused water to rush into the tunnel and block the entrance.

Thai rescue personnel joined the operation after Lao authorities formally requested assistance. Around 26 rescuers and volunteers travelled from Nong Khai to Laos before being transported closer to the remote site by helicopter provided by Lao authorities.

Among those participating in the mission is Thai rescue worker and influencer Jakkrid Tangtang, also known as "Pon Jakkrid", who shared video footage from inside the cave showing extremely difficult conditions.

The footage revealed narrow muddy passages where rescuers were forced to crawl one by one through darkness using only rescue lights.

Rescue leader Kengkaj Bongkaowong said teams believe the trapped workers may have moved to a higher area inside the cave to escape rising floodwaters. He added that rescuers are now only about 30 metres from the elevated point where survivors are believed to be waiting for help.

Authorities said the route from the cave entrance to the suspected location stretches around 340 metres, with some sections only about 60 centimetres high.

Rescuers are also facing major obstacles from continuous rainfall, rising water levels and low oxygen inside the tunnel, forcing operations to pause at times.

According to local reports, about 10 villagers had entered the tunnel to search for gold when flash flooding struck during heavy rain. Three workers managed to escape, while seven others became trapped inside.