In a bid to combat rising concerns over criminal activities, the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo Province will be implementing strict entry and exit restrictions during nighttime hours for a duration of 15 days, according to an official notice issued on Wednesday.
The notice, issued by Laos’ Special Economic Zone Promotion and Management Office, under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, aims to address the prevailing “social ills” plaguing the region.
“Social ills” is a term often employed by Laos to describe criminal behaviors that pose a threat to public safety and security.
During the designated 15-day period, entry or exit into the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone will be prohibited from 11:30 pm to 5 am. The measure is set to take effect immediately following the issuance of the notice.
To ensure effective communication with residents and visitors, the notice was made available in both Lao and Chinese languages, considering the international and multicultural nature of the region.
The decision to implement the restrictions was signed off by Bounthong Sengsikong, Head of the Committee for Management of the Special Economic Zone in Bokeo.
The news comes as the Golden Triangle, notorious for criminal activity including drug and human trafficking, appears to hope to overhaul its image and attract tourism.
As the authorities take concrete steps to tackle “social ills,” it is hoped that the restrictions will yield positive outcomes in safeguarding the region’s prosperity and tranquility, fostering economic growth, and ensuring the well-being of all residents and visitors.
