🚨 Urgent: Dead Body Found in Forest - Mr. Khaen Case ‼️

HUMAN RIGHTS ALERT: DEAD BODY FOUND IN FOREST!

⚠️ 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.

This comes just days after Mr. Khaen was reported missing.

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. The truth must be established through transparency.

🚨This tragic development raises extremely serious concerns given:

• Mr. Khaen’s reported disappearance.

• Witness accounts of a possible abduction on 14 February.

• The climate of fear and pressure on neighbours and relatives.

• The timing, just before the national elections.

If this is confirmed to be Mr. Khaen, there must be an immediate, transparent, and independent clarification of:

1. The timeline between his reported abduction and the discovery of the body.

2. The circumstances and cause of death.

In Laos, suspicious deaths have too often been quickly labelled as accidents without full transparency. This cannot happen again.

In Laos, past cases have shown that enforced disappearances and sudden deaths require scrutiny, not silence.

We call on:

• Lao authorities to ensure full transparency.

• Independent observers to monitor this case.

• The international community to remain vigilant and to urge the Lao government to ensure a transparent and independent investigation. 

The Lao people deserve truth.

They deserve accountability.

They deserve justice.

Today, 22 February, as Lao citizens are called to vote, a fundamental question remains: what does voting mean in a one-party state where critical voices face intimidation, disappear, and risk their lives for speaking out? Why must freedom cost someone’s life? 

#WeAreManushyan ♾️ Equal Human Beings

#JusticeForKhaen #WhereIsKhaen 

#Laos #CivicSpace