The Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism in Bokeo Province took action to dismantle illegal signs and billboards on 6 February in the province’s Ton Phueng district.
Sisaard Koumphon, the department’s head, announced that over 30 signs and billboards had been removed, including advertising, shop, and currency signs.
A social media controversy erupted over signs displaying both Lao and Chinese texts, with concerns raised about the Chinese texts being larger and more prominent than their Lao counterparts. Additionally, the currency was displayed in Chinese Yuan instead of Lao Kip, which violates national laws.
According to the department’s regulations, signs and billboards must be installed correctly and comply with content guidelines. They should prominently display Lao at the top, with any foreign languages underneath. Moreover, signs must be placed in authorized locations, not on trees, walls, electricity poles, or other public places.
This action was initiated to ensure compliance with regulations and preserve the authenticity of the district. Similar missions have been carried out in the past, including one in the same province in 2020 and another in Luang Prabang last October.
