Missing Monk Found Alive in Cave After 5 Day Search in Loei

Pictures courtesy of NBT

Rescue teams have found Luang Ta Somchai, a 77-year-old monk missing for five days, alive but exhausted in a narrow rock crevice inside a cave about two kilometres from Wat Thammasathan Phasawan in Loei province. The discovery on 11 December 2025 brought an immediate end to an extensive search involving volunteers, local officials and community leaders. Emergency personnel worked to extract him safely and transport him to hospital for treatment.

Luang Ta Somchai disappeared from the temple in Ban Suan Hom, Puang Phu subdistrict, Nong Hin district at around 02:00 on 7 December 2025. After his disappearance, volunteers from the Loei Highway Rescue Association joined forces with government officers, village chiefs and local community leaders to conduct a coordinated search. Their efforts intensified on the morning of 8 December, as teams widened the search radius around the temple.

Rescuers reported that the monk was conscious when found but physically weakened, with numerous scratches and signs of exhaustion across his body. Local authorities noted that the terrain around the cave area is rugged, increasing the difficulty and risks of the search operation. The discovery has eased the concerns of villagers who had been anxiously waiting for news since the search began.

Officials have not yet determined how the monk became trapped in the cave crevice, but they emphasise that his survival after several days without assistance is remarkable. Medical staff at the hospital carried out a full assessments for dehydration, injuries and overall health condition. Community members and search volunteers have expressed relief that he was located alive despite the challenging conditions.

NBT reported that rescue teams efforts to move him safely from the site, was made difficult as the narrow passages required careful handling and specialised rescue equipment. Authorities will also document the incident to support any further investigation into how he ended up in the cave area.

Key Takeaways

• Rescuers found Luang Ta Somchai alive in a cave crevice after five days missing.

• The monk suffered exhaustion and scratches but remained conscious when located.

• Officials worked to extract him safely and transport him to hospital.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from NBT 2025-12-12