On January 2, 2026, a severe sinkhole collapse occurred in Thongmang village, Xaythany district, Vientiane, Laos, resulting in four people missing. Subsequently, on January 11, another sinkhole collapse incident occurred in the same area. Following an on-site inspection, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce decided to evacuate 38 households from the locality. Reports indicate that since May 2025, the region has experienced a cumulative total of six sinkhole incidents. Official investigations suggest these collapses are linked to underground potash mining and tunnel construction projects by nearby enterprises. Reports from July 2025 indicated that Zangge Mining and Yunnan Yuntianhua Co., Ltd. have potash mining operations in Vientiane.

The Business and Human Rights Center had reached out to Zangge Mining and Yunnan Yuntianhua Co., Ltd. for response. They did not respond.