Social media in Laos is currently ablaze with allegations that a building in Vientiane Capital, linked to relatives of a high-ranking government official, is being used to operate online scams.
According to an unofficial Lao social media page, scammers are relocating from the Bokeo’s Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to Vientiane, raising concerns about the spread of illegal activities in the capital.

The building at the center of these claims, Lao Cyber Management Company Limited, is located in Don Tiew village, Xaythany district, and is registered under the name Sokxay Soukhavong.
Alleged Family Roles in Scam and Gambling Operations
Unverified reports suggest that the family of Luang Namtha Province Governor Viengsavath Siphandone, including his wife Somvilayvong Soukhavong and their three children, are directly involved in managing operations from the building.
According to the social media posts, the family divides its alleged activities among themselves.
The youngest son, referred to as Tou, reportedly resides in the Golden Triangle SEZ in Bokeo and is allegedly responsible for overseeing the construction of several scam-related buildings in Thakhek district, Khammouane Province.
His brother, Sok, together with their mother Somvilayvong Soukhavong, is believed to manage an online gambling website operating at the facility in question near the 16KM area in Vientiane.
Meanwhile, the eldest child, Bi, is claimed to invest profits from her siblings’ operations into a Lao silk business named BanhookLao.
Voices from Social Media Users
The allegations have ignited a wave of criticism and concern across social media.

One user wrote, “Descendants of top officials can do whatever they want due to wealth and strong connections.”Others expressed concern about the broader implications for residents, particularly regarding financial security.

“Now, we have got scammers from Cambodia relocating to Laos, not to mention those from Bokeo moving to Vientiane and Thakhek. My financial account will one day be for victims of their operation for sure,” commented another social media user.

Some users voiced frustration. One wrote, “Knowing this, there’s nothing we can do. This is Laos,” a sentiment echoed by several others.
Despite the widespread attention and ongoing discussion online, the government has not confirmed or denied the allegations yet.
Efforts to Combat Scam Centers in Bokeo
Although the allegations surrounding the Vientiane building remain unverified, Laos has taken steps to tackle the broader challenge of cybercrime in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone.
The country recently signed the United Nations Convention on Countering Cybercrime at a ceremony in Hanoi from 24 to 26 October.
Earlier this year, Lao and Vietnamese authorities also launched a major crackdown on a cross-border scam network defrauding hundreds of Vietnamese citizens.
Between 5 and 9 July, raids in the Golden Triangle SEZ, Wattay International Airport, and Tay Trang Border Gate resulted in the arrest of 59 Vietnamese nationals, along with some Chinese suspects
Authorities have also issued nationwide warnings, urging citizens to verify online sources, avoid suspicious links, and report scams, showing Laos’ growing efforts to curb fraud and protect residents from online crime.


