Thailand grants long-term Myanmar refugees living in camps along the border the legal right to work, addressing both humanitarian concerns and the country’s labor shortage.
The Thai Cabinet approved measures on 26 August allowing refugees in temporary shelters along the Thai-Myanmar border to seek formal employment, many for the first time in their lives.
Jirayut Huangsub, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, said the initiative would allow refugees to work legally in Thailand, helping them support their families while contributing to the economy.
He added that the move reflected Thailand’s commitment to humanitarian values and was a strategic investment in the country’s future, with refugees expected to boost local consumption,...
Sekong Province exported goods worth USD 121.16 million in the first half of this year, emerging as one of southern Laos’ key exporters of agricultural and energy products.
The Provincial...
The Lao government has partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Indian Government to prepare for the large-scale fortification of rice in a bid to...
Laos launched its first wind power project on 22 August.
The 600-megawatt Monsoon Wind Power Project is Southeast Asia’s largest onshore wind farm and Asia’s first cross-border renewable energy venture....
The Lao government has outlined its key priorities for September, focusing on stabilizing the economy, improving infrastructure, and maintaining national stability.
These decisions came during the two-day monthly meeting of...
The Vientiane Wastewater Treatment Plant project has reached 89.57 percent overall completion, marking a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to address urban water pollution.
Located in Khammngoy village, Xaysetha...
The proposed measures by the Department of Public Works and Transport (DPWT) to restrict left turns at key junctions along Dongpalan Road appear to be a practical short-term solution...
Beginning 1 September, Laos will launch a trial version of its new Digital Arrival Registration system, marking a shift away from the traditional paper-based immigration forms for all foreign passport holders.
The system is designed to streamline border procedures by requiring travelers to submit their information online within three days before both arrival and departure.
Through the online platform, travelers will need to provide key details such as passport information, visa data, travel plans, and their intended address while staying in Laos.
The new system applies to all foreign nationals entering the country by air or land.
However, Thai citizens who enter Laos using a Border Pass rather than a passport will be...
The Lao government has announced plans to boost tourism in Vientiane Capital with the theme "Vientiane's Sustainable Tourism," The initiative aims to incorporate innovative technologies into tourism management and create new attractions for...
Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang from 24 to 27 June, spotlighting the proposed ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as a key initiative to boost regional travel and connectivity.
Held...
The Lao government has partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Indian Government to prepare for the large-scale fortification of rice in a bid to reduce high rates of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
The initiative was introduced during the National Workshop on Fortification: Advancing Sustainable Nutrition Security in Laos, held in Vientiane on 28 August. Health officials and development partners discussed establishing national standards and a regulatory framework to guide the production of fortified rice.
Micronutrient deficiencies,...
Thailand, host of the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, requested Cambodia to limit its athlete delegation to no more than 200 due to safety concerns.
On 21 August, during the Chefs de Mission Seminar...
In recent years, Vientiane has seen a quiet but steady rise in running culture. Once considered a niche activity, running is now gaining traction across the capital, thanks to city races, charity events,...
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane completed official visits to Singapore and the Philippines, reaffirming Laos’ commitment to strengthening cooperation...
Dog poisoning has long been an issue in Laos, with cases of pets being poisoned and kidnapped continuing to put owners on edge.
On 12 August, one such case was made public when a Facebook user reported that their dog had been poisoned and killed after two men drove past their house multiple times, apparently attempting to kidnap the animal after poisoning it.
Whether those offenders faced legal consequences remains unclear.
But not every case goes unnoticed.
Among those who refused to stay silent was the 33-year-old Anousith “Noum” Phompida, an IT engineer from Phontong village, Xaythany district, Vientiane Capital. His fight for justice began after his Labrador, Robin, was poisoned and killed in mid-2023.
Losing Robin
Robin was more than a pet to Noum, he was family. A dog he had raised since birth, Robin lived with him for a year and a half before falling victim to poisoning.
“When Robin first passed away, I was really disoriented. Because I raised him ever since he was born, as if he was my own son,” Noum recalled.
His grief soon turned into determination. Noum began working with police and law experts, combing through Lao legislation to find...