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Thailand Grants Myanmar Refugees Legal Right to Work

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,...

Economy

Sekong Province Exports Top USD 121 Million in First Half of 2025

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...

Laos Moves Toward Large-Scale Rice Fortification to Fight Malnutrition

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 Launches Commercial Operations of Southeast Asia’s Largest Wind Farm

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....

Lao Sets September Priorities to Strengthen Economy, Infrastructure

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...

Vientiane Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Nears 90 Percent Completion

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...

Public Feedback: Easing Traffic Congestion on Dongpalan Road

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...

Travel

Laos to Launch Digital Immigration System for Foreign Travelers Starting 1 September

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...

Vientiane Launches Sustainable Tourism Initiative with Innovative Technology for Growth

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...

ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025

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...

Health & Environment

Laos Moves Toward Large-Scale Rice Fortification to Fight Malnutrition

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,...

Sport

Thailand Requests Cambodia to Reduce Athlete Delegation for 33rd SEA Games Amid Safety Concerns

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...

Vientiane’s Running Boom: More Than Just Exercise, It’s a Movement

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,...

Politics

President’s Son Thongly Sisoulith Appointed Youth Union Secretary

Thongly Sisoulith, son of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, became Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary...

Thailand Requests Cambodia to Reduce Athlete Delegation for 33rd SEA Games Amid Safety Concerns

Thailand, host of the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, requested Cambodia to limit its athlete delegation to no more...

Wrap: Lao Foreign Minister Visits Singapore, The Philippines

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane completed official visits to Singapore and the Philippines, reaffirming Laos’ commitment to strengthening cooperation...

Thai Court to Rule This Month on Case Seeking PM’s Dismissal

Thailand’s Constitutional Court announced on 13 July that it will rule this month on a case seeking to oust...

Feature

Dog Poisoning Crisis in Laos: One Man’s Fight for Justice

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...

President’s Son Thongly Sisoulith Appointed Youth Union Secretary

Thongly Sisoulith, son of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, became...

Wrap: Lao Foreign Minister Visits Singapore, The Philippines

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane completed official visits to...

Thai Court to Rule This Month on Case Seeking PM’s Dismissal

Thailand’s Constitutional Court announced on 13 July that it...

US, China Extend Tariff Truce for 90 Days

By Beiyi SEOW and Isabel KUA/AFP - China and...