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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
- Feb 18
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 2
UPDATE: The most updated details of Mr. Khaen's case (now confirmed death) can be found here: https://bit.ly/JusticeForKhaenNOW
The recent disappearance of Mr. Khaen (widely known as Bao Mo Khaen) 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 Post - IG Reel - LinkedIn), and Lao Facebook news pages, including THOLAKONG (here) and Keawchai News (here).
Current Status (ao 2 March)
After confirming the identity of the dead body as Mr. Khaen, his brother retracted Facebook posts on 23 February that Mr. Khaen's death and have stopped asking for donations for support with funeral rites. Beforehand, the head of the Houay Teuy Village issued a Letter of Certification claiming the brother's claims are “entirely without merit and completely false”.
The village head then issued a follow up statement on 24 February confirming the death of Khaen and declaring that his previous statement was issued due to a misunderstanding between the family, him, and the temple hosting the funerals.
Observations: The public confirmation of death, the subsequent deletion of the post, and the issuance of contradictory official letters present unclear public records. These inconsistencies raise serious concerns regarding transparency, due process, and the safety of the family member involved.
More details on our latest blog on this case here. Justice must follow!
Background and Intimidation
Origin: Mr. Khaen (Sixay Lueangmonetha) 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 14: Khaen was last seen on this day, between 9:00-10:00 PM. Witnesses report he was abducted by soldiers from the vicinity's military camp and taken to Phonthan Prison in Vientane where he is being held incommunicado.
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.
February 17: A police report has been filed as official evidence of the disappearance (see below)
Note: At the time the missing person report was filed, the complainant, Mr. Pheng, was unaware that neighbours had allegedly witnessed an abduction on 14 February between 9.30 PM and 10.00 PM. English Translation of Official Incident Report Record:
Time: 14:14, February 17, 2026
Location: Viengkeo Village Headman’s Office, Saythany District, Vientiane Capital.
This official report was filed by Mr. Pheng, aged 34, Occupation: Merchant, currently residing in Udomphon Village, Saythany District, Vientiane Capital.
Report Details:
Mr. Pheng reported that Mr. Sixay Lueangmonetha, aged 32, Occupation: Citizen (General Public), originally from Phat Neua Village, Samtay District, Houaphanh Province, had been staying at the residence of Mr. Chantha Luangmonda, Unit 47, Viengkeo Village, Saythany District, Vientiane Capital.
On February 13, 2026, at 16:00, the aforementioned individual left the residence on a Suzuki Smash motorcycle (License Plate: Houaphanh JK.0834). As of today, February 17, 2026, relatives have been unable to contact him. Therefore, this report is filed as official evidence/record of the incident.
Signatures:
Recipient (Village Headman): Mr. Bounpon
Reporter: Mr. Pheng
Official Seal: Viengkeo Village Headman
Official Red Seal: [Official Authority Stamp]
Certified by Village Authorities Printed Name: Heatsalath SIMMAVONGSA
February 20: Vientiane Rescue 1624 indicated that a deceased male was found on 20 February 2026 in a forested roadside area in Dongphonhae village, along the road toward Thanaleng Dry Port, Dongphosy village, Hadxayfong District, Vientiane Capital. A green Suzuki Smash motorbike was found at the scene. A public identification call was posted on their Facebook page on 21 February at approximately 10:00 PM.
The motorbike shown in the rescue report appears visually similar to the one Mr. Khaen regularly used and posted publicly. Vientiane Rescue indicated that the license plate number is 0834, Houaphanh Province, the same province Mr. Khaen is originally from.
While we strongly believe the body found is Mr. Khaen, we are awaiting formal confirmation from the family before making any definitive statement regarding identity.
Furthermore, the rescue report stated that three cans of beer and one bottle of liquor were found inside a blue plastic bag near the motorbike. The presence of alcohol does not equal an accident. Given the timeline of his disappearance and reported abduction, there is a serious and legitimate concern that this death may be presented as an 'accident'.
⚠️ February 22: On 21 February, Mr. Khaen’s brother confirmed via a Facebook post that the motorbike found at the scene belonged to Mr. Khaen and stated that identification would take place on 22 February.
On 22 February, the same day Laos held national elections, Mr. Khaen’s brother publicly confirmed via a Facebook post that the deceased body found on 20 February is Mr. Khaen, and announced funeral arrangements to be held on 23 February 2026 at 13.30 PM. That post was later deleted. Screenshots of the original post continue to circulate online.
On 23 February 2026, the Head of Houay Teuy Village, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital, issued a Letter of Certification stating that claims circulating online by Mr. Montha that his brother, Mr. Sisay Luangmonda (Mr. Khaen), died on 21 February 2026 and that a cremation ceremony was scheduled for 23 February 2026 at 13:30 at Houay Teuy Village Cemetery are “entirely without merit and completely false.” This is not the first time a Lao democracy activist has been found dead near a motorbike, with such deaths presented to the public as simple accidents.
Later on the same day, Mr. Khaen's brother posted on his Facebook (see screenshot with English translation below) that the funeral rites are finished and they have stopped accepting donations.
On 24 February 2026, the same Village Head issued a follow up statement confirming the death of Khaen and declaring that his previous statement was issued due to a misunderstanding between the family, him, and the temple hosting the funerals.
English Translation of Official Incident Report Record:
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity, Prosperity
Xaythany District
Public Security Group (Police), Dong Dok
Houay Teuy Village
No. 249/BT.H.T.
Public Clarification Notice
Subject: Regarding the funeral of Mr. Sisay Luangmontha (Bao Mor Khaen)
At the Houay Teuy Village Office, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital, on February 24, 2026, at 3:30 PM, three parties met to discuss the reports regarding the passing of Mr. Sixay Lueangmonetha (Bao Mor Khaen). The three participating parties were as follows:
1. First Party: The Houay Teuy Village Administration.
2. Second Party: The President of the Thai Daeng Cemetery Association (Burials).
3. Third Party: The family of Mr. Sixay Lueangmonetha.
The three parties met to clarify the news circulating on social media, specifically on the Facebook page named "LaNa." The discussions are summarized as follows:
Regarding Mr. Sixay Lueangmonetha, it is confirmed that he passed away on February 21, 2026.
Information posted on Facebook stated that his body was brought for cremation at the Houay Teuy Village Cemetery. In reality, the body was not cremated at the Houay Teuy Village Cemetery. Instead, the family buried the body at the Thai Daeng Association Cemetery located in Houay Teuy Village. This cemetery is under the direct management of the President of the Thai Daeng Cemetery Association, not the Houay Teuy Village Administration. However, the Thai Daeng Association had placed a sign identifying it as "Houay Teuy Village Cemetery." This incorrect signage led to public confusion.
Consequently, all three parties have requested the President of the Thai Daeng Association to install a new sign clearly identifying the site as the "Thai Daeng Association Cemetery at Houay Teuy Village," and specifying that it is strictly for traditional burials (burials only).
The boundaries of the Houay Teuy Village Cemetery and the Thai Daeng Association Cemetery are adjacent to one another.
The Head of Houay Teuy Village confirms that his previous statement—that the body was not buried at the Houay Teuy Village Cemetery, was correct. The burial took place at the Thai Daeng Association Cemetery. The misunderstanding arose because the cemeteries are connected and due to the misleading signage. For any future matters regarding the Thai Daeng Association Cemetery, the public should contact the Association President directly, as it is not managed by the Houay Teuy Village Administration.
Therefore, all three parties have jointly issued this clarification to ensure the public is clearly and accurately informed.
Signed:
Bounthavy LAOIN, Head of Houay Teuy Village
Mr. Vongkeo
Representative of the Deceased’s Family
Mr. Khaen's brother has also shared this new statement on his personal Facebook page in support of clarifying the details.
The public confirmation of death, the subsequent deletion of the post, and the issuance of an official letter denying the death claim present contradictory public records. These inconsistencies raise serious concerns regarding transparency, due process, and the safety of the family member involved.
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 Khaen 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.
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?
As Decolonial & Intersectional Feminists, we refuse silence in the face of fear. We refuse narratives that dismiss suspicious deaths without scrutiny. We refuse a system where speaking out can cost you your life.
We call for:
An immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Khaen’s death.
Full disclosure by Lao authorities of forensic findings and the complete timeline of events.
The United Nations, international human rights mechanisms, and the diplomatic community to closely monitor this case and to urge the Lao government to guarantee accountability and protection for those who speak out.
✊🏽 Lao people deserve truth.
✊🏽 They deserve accountability.
✊🏽 They deserve justice.
We stand in solidarity with Mr. Khaen’s family.
We stand with all those who dare to speak.
#WeAreManushyan ♾️ Equal Human Beings
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