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‼️ 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 ‼️ Lao vocal state critic Mr. Khaen missing after facing escalating death threats, days before Laos’ national elections
- Manushya Foundation
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
The recent disappearance of Mr. Khean (widely known as Bao Mo Khean) has raised alarms in Laos. Evidence suggests he was under intense pressure and threats from authorities and anonymous individuals prior to his disappearance. He's been receiving regular threats through pro-government facebook anonymous accounts (see this FB account for example).
The family of the disappeared Lao critic issued an urgent public appeal on the night of 17 February, calling on anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward (see the family’s post here). The case has since been amplified on 18 February by Manushya Lao (here) Manushya English platforms (FB - IG - LinkedIn), and Lao Facebook news pages, including THOLAKONG (here) and Keawchai News (here).
Background and Intimidation
Origin: Mr. Khean is from Sam Tai District, Huaphan Province.
Legal "Re-education": Last year, he was summoned for "legal training" at the Huaphan Provincial Office after he attempted to inquire about specific public information.
Seeking Refuge: In late January 2026, he fled to Vientiane Capital and rented a room to evade surveillance by local authorities.
Attempt to Flee: In early February 2026, he tried to obtain a "temporary border pass" to cross into Thailand using only his ID card. However, authorities denied his request, claiming "incomplete documentation," leading to suspicions that he had been officially blacklisted and banned from leaving the country.
Fear For His Life: Khaen has feared for his life since September 2025. In this Facebook video, he shares a "final message" for his followers. "If I don't post anything after 3 days, don't be surprised. Maybe somebody already killed me or made sure that I don't speak up anymore."
Timeline of Disappearance
February 13: The last day anyone had direct contact with him.
February 15: Relatives reported that his phone was still ringing, but no one answered.
February 16: Upon checking his rented room, his personal belongings, including clothes and his phone charger, were found untouched. This suggests he did not intend to flee or travel, but was likely taken abruptly.
Motives: Why was he targeted?
Mr. Khaen was known for his outspoken criticism of systemic issues and government administration in Laos. Key issues he highlighted included:
Hospital Corruption (see his Facebook post here): He exposed doctors at a hospital in Vientiane who requested medical fees be transferred to private accounts rather than through the official hospital system. He refused to meet authorities or hand over evidence, fearing it was a trap.
Bureaucratic Bribery (see his Facebook post here): He documented his experience with vehicle registration in Huaphan, where officials claimed to be "busy" until he paid a 50,000 LAK "gasoline fee" (bribe), after which the process was completed instantly.
Veterans' Benefits (see his Facebook post here): In a recorded conversation, he questioned Sam Tai District officials about why veterans’ welfare payments had been delayed for 10–20 years. He demanded justice and asked, "Has the welfare money arrived yet?" It is believed this specific issue drew the ire of high-ranking officials.
Political Satire (see his Facebook post here): He filmed himself reading national slogans regarding "Democracy," which was interpreted as mockery of the state, and filmed the Prime Minister’s Office, leading to further threats.
Threats Prior to Disappearance
Shortly before he vanished, several Facebook accounts including this page tagged his profile with threatening messages, calling for authorities to take action:
"Deal with Bak Khean before he escapes the country. Don't let him roam free. Settle it immediately.
You can see the Facebook post, dated 5 February 2026, here.
Current Status
Relatives have posted missing person notices on Facebook and are gravely concerned for his safety. His current whereabouts and fate remain unknown.
Disappearance ahead of the National Elections Repression intensifies as Laos heads into national elections on 22 February, a clear attempt to silence dissenters. Enforced disappearance has long been the authoritarian regime’s weapon of choice against those who dare to question power.
Enforced Disappearance: The Lao Government’s Weapon of Repression
To this day, not one single case of enforced disappearance in Laos has resulted in accountability.
In February 2024, activist Chilikham disappeared after collecting his passport in southern Laos en route to Bangkok.
Five months later, in July 2024, Thao Bua Sawan Prommachan was arrested after protesting corruption outside the UN Centre in Vientiane. He has since vanished without a trace.
In 2019, Lao activist Od Sayavong was forcibly disappeared in Thailand after planning a protest tied to the ASEAN People’s Forum, a chilling example of transnational repression extending beyond Laos’ borders.
Thirteen years on, there are still no answers for Sombath Somphone.
How many more Lao defenders have to vanish before the world calls out the authoritarian state’s repression?
We refuse to let Khaen become just another name in a growing list.
We demand that the Lao government surface Khaen!
UPDATE (ao 18 Feb, 5:30pm ICT):
Khaen was last seen on 14 February, between 9:00-10:00 PM. Witnesses report he was abducted by soldiers from the vicinity's military camp and taken to Phon Kheng Prison in Vientane where he is being held incommunicado.
Phon Kheng is a state prison for political prisoners where critics are held under "national security charges".
This is essentially an enforced disappearance until the Lao authorities come forward about his whereabouts and safety.
Don't stop demanding for his safe release! #BringKhaenHome!
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