Laos Cave Survivors Ate Gold Panning Wood to Stay Alive

Khaosod•Society•17h ago

Reader Briefing

Five individuals trapped in a Laos gold mine collapse survived by consuming wood used for gold panning.

•On May 30, 2026, a gold mine tunnel collapsed in Longcheng District, Xaignaburi Province, Laos.
•The collapse resulted in seven workers being trapped inside the mine.
•Thai rescue teams traveled to Laos to assist local authorities in rescue operations.
•Five trapped individuals were located, with one, Thao Muet (23), being safely escorted out first.
•A rescuer from Metta Tham Kalasin Foundation posted on Facebook about the survivors consuming two trays of gold panning wood.
•A netizen explained that gold panning wood, being a soft wood with high moisture content, can technically be consumed for sustenance.
•The wood's cellulose structure is partially digestible, providing minimal energy and helping to reduce hunger and symptoms of poisoning.
•Plans for the rescue of the remaining four trapped individuals are being developed.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Netizen

"Shocking! All 5 people trapped in the cave ate 2 trays of gold panning wood to sustain themselves."

ตะลึง! คนทั้ง 5 ที่ติดถ้ำ กินไม้ร่อนทองหมดไป 2 ถาดประทังชีวิต

Netizen

"Technically, it can be eaten and it helps."

ในทางเทคนิค กินได้นะ ช่วยได้อยู่

Laos(ลาว)ℹ️

The country where the gold mine collapse and rescue operation took place.

Longcheng District(เมืองล่องแจ้ง)

The district in Laos where the gold mine tunnel collapsed.

Xaignaburi Province(แขวงไชยสมบูรณ์)ℹ️

The province in Laos where Longcheng District is located, site of the mine collapse.

Lao People's Democratic Republic(สปป.ลาว)ℹ️

The official name of the country where the trapped miners are located.

Thao Muet(ท้าวมืด)

One of the five individuals rescued from the Laos gold mine collapse, aged 23.

Ajarn Tinglee(อาจารย์ติงลี่)

Also known as Kengkat Bongkaowong, head of Metta Tham Kalasin rescue, involved in the Laos mine rescue.

Kengkat Bongkaowong(เก่งกาจ บ้งกาวงศ์)

Head of Metta Tham Kalasin rescue team and formerly known as Ajarn Tinglee, participating in the Laos mine rescue.

Metta Tham Kalasin Rescue(กู้ภัยเมตตาธรรมกาฬสินธุ์)

A Thai rescue team that participated in the Laos gold mine collapse rescue.