Home Blog Page 1363

Laos Exceeds 2025 Tax Revenue Target

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
-
The Customs Department under the Ministry of Finance held a meeting to assess 2025 performance and outline priorities, plans, and measures for the 2026 tax sector. (Photo by the Ministry of Finance)

Laos’ tax sector collected LAK 22.85 billion (USD 1.06 million) in revenue in 2025, exceeding its annual target, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The collection surpassed the assigned 2025 target of LAK 18.5 billion, achieving 123.53 percent of the annual plan. Officials said the strong performance reflected improved oversight, closer coordination, and continued efforts to strengthen tax administration.

The results were reviewed on 15 January, when the Customs Department under the Ministry of Finance held a meeting to assess 2025 performance and outline priorities, plans, and measures for the 2026 tax sector.

Director General of the Lao Customs Department Phoukhaokham Vanavongxay said the revenue gains resulted from close guidance and monitoring by Ministry of Finance leadership, along with more effective coordination across customs operations.

Looking ahead, authorities have set a 2026 revenue target of LAK 25.72 billion (USD 1.19 million). Officials said the higher goal follows a review of existing laws and regulations, with plans to update the legal framework to better reflect current economic and social conditions.

The ministry said it will pursue the target through stronger management of civil servants, reforms to reinforce the role of the Tax Department, and wider use of modern systems to improve collection efficiency and reduce revenue leakage.

While noting the strong 2025 performance, officials said sustaining growth in 2026 will depend on continued legal reform, stricter enforcement, and improved taxpayer compliance.

VF 8 Is Connecting a New Global VinFast Community

By
Advertorial Desk
-

VinFast’s electric SUV is earning loyalty from Vietnam to the Middle East by fitting seamlessly into real lives, long drives, and daily routines.


HAI PHONG, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 – VinFast’s VF 8 is traveling well, winning over drivers across markets with everyday performance, thoughtful design, and uncommon peace of mind.

VF 8

A VF 8 owner belong to a relatively exclusive, self-selecting club that its maker VinFast have built across the globe. It is the kind of club formed less by marketing than by shared curiosity and a willingness to move early. Owners tend to recognize one another not by badges or decals, but by the confidence that comes from having made a deliberate choice.

The VF 8 holds a special place for VinFast. It was the brand’s first fully international offering, the vehicle tasked with introducing a young Vietnamese automaker to demanding markets abroad. As a result, the car was designed to travel well. Styled in collaboration with Pininfarina, the VF 8 favors clean proportions over visual noise. Beneath the surface, its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and 402 horsepower provide performance that feels reassuring.

In Vietnam, the VF 8 has appealed to high-mileage drivers like Nguyen Phuong Hoang Dung, a Ho Chi Minh City-based construction project manager who covers about 5,000 kilometers a month. “When you drive that much, comfort and stability directly affect your health, your mindset, and how well you work,” he said. Having spent years with gasoline cars, he switched to the VF 8 in August 2025, drawn by its smooth throttle response and calm, seamless acceleration. Now, with more than 20,000 kilometers behind him, he said, “The more I drive it, the more confident I am that choosing the VF 8 was the right decision.”

As the VF 8 expanded into North America and Europe, it increasingly settled into a simpler role: a dependable everyday vehicle. Robert, who has driven his for more than a year and a half, said it has been “a great vehicle,” adding that “you will not find another this size in the price range they offered it.” For Jonathan, the VF 8 fits neatly into daily routines. “For us it’s a city vehicle with short rides every day, and it answers our needs,” he said. “Very comfortable, impressive performance, good in snow, and strong overall.”

In the Middle East, the VF 8’s appeal sharpens as VinFast pairs the car with ownership benefits that are rare in the segment, including complimentary maintenance coverage for five years or 100,000 kilometers. These are not small details in markets where peace of mind often matters as much as design. “The maintenance package made the decision easy,” said an owner in Dubai. “You know exactly where you stand.”

The idea of a VF 8 community is beginning to take shape. Across markets, it connects drivers in Vietnam, Europe, North America, and the Middle East through a shared understanding of what modern electric ownership can be. Thoughtful design. Capable performance. A clear push toward sustainability without asking drivers to compromise their routines.

For those inside the club, the VF 8 is not simply a statement car. No, something even better. A car that makes sense, day after day, in very different parts of the world.

Hashtag: #VF8 #VinFast

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ONYX Hospitality Group Partners with Yee Fung Group to Launch “Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen”, Expanding its Portfolio in China

By
Advertorial Desk
-

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading Southeast Asian hospitality management company specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, is proud to announce its new partnership with Yee Fung Group to operate Y Hotel Nanshan in Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China.

Y Hotel Hong Kong Classic Single Overview (2)

ONYX Hospitality Group oversees renowned brands including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence across key destinations in the Asia–Pacific region. This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening ONYX’s presence in the Chinese market. Scheduled to open in Q4 2026, the hotel supports ONYX’s long-term growth strategy as it works toward its target of managing more than 75 properties by 2030.

Mr Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, commented: “This collaboration reflects the strong confidence Yee Fung Group has in ONYX, following our successful partnership in managing Y Hotel Hong Kong. It represents a significant step forward in building on that success and further expanding ONYX’s presence in the Greater China market. At the same time, this partnership reinforces ONYX’s position as a distinctive ‘Regional Player’, well-positioned for stable and sustainable growth across the region.”

Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen featuring 82 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, located within YEE FUNG PLACE on a strategically significant site surrounded by key national infrastructure. The area is supported by five major national sea and land ports, including Shekou, Chiwan and Mawan, servicing more than 150 shipping routes. It is also situated at the heart of one of China’s leading innovation and industrial hubs, home to sectors such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, biomedicine and the marine economy, alongside more than 50 specialised industrial parks.

Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen is ideally suited for leisure travellers, offering convenient accessibility just 35 minutes from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport and 31 minutes from Shenzhen North Railway Station, and only 650 metres from Lilin Subway Station. The surrounding area features vibrant food markets and nightlife destinations such as Nanyi Fang, Shekou Sea World, Green World and Houhai, as well as cultural and recreational attractions including Shenzhen Poly Theatre, Shenzhen Talent Park, Nanshan Museum, Nanshan Park and Shenzhen Bay Park. Guests will also find leading shopping centres nearby, including Walmart, Xinhe Shopping Plaza, Garden City, Haiya Mega Mall, Coastal City and Shenzhen Bay MixC.

Furthermore, the hotel is located close to the headquarters of major national technology companies such as ZTE, Tencent, Huawei, Alibaba, Han’s Laser and Mindray, as well as Shenzhen University, positioning it as both a relaxing retreat and a strategic hub for business travellers seeking comfort alongside a distinctive lifestyle experience.Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup #YeeFungGroup #YHotel #HospitalityManagement #HotelManagement #LifestyleHotel



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ONYX Hospitality Group:

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers in Southeast Asia where their expertise lies. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food and beverage. With over five decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

More information:

Best SEO Agency Perth: Pathfinder Marketing Claims Top APAC Honour at International Search Awards

By
Advertorial Desk
-

PERTH, Australia, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Perth-based digital marketing agency, Pathfinder Marketing, has won Best APAC SEO Campaign at the 2025 Global Search Awards.

The award-winning “From Side Hustle to Gift Hamper Powerhouse” campaign transformed Little Shop of Happiness from a struggling local business into a seven-figure ecommerce brand in 12 months, driven solely by organic search, which delivered a 12.75x ROI.

Starting as a side hustle with minimal online presence, Little Shop of Happiness scaled to a warehouse operation with a delivery fleet and a four-person team. Real business metrics underline the impact: 27% organic traffic growth in the first quarter and the company’s first seven-figure revenue year.

Rather than chasing keyword rankings, the campaign prioritised commercial outcomes. Pathfinder restructured the brand’s digital presence to capture demand across Australia’s gifting sector, expanding category pages from fewer than 10 to more than 20 targeted segments aligned to customer intent and geography.

“Modern SEO isn’t just about rankings, it’s about building scalable systems that drive genuine business transformation,” said Mitchell Kelly, co-founder of Pathfinder Marketing. “This campaign proved that when you combine data-driven strategy with AI-powered execution, you can achieve enterprise-level growth even with boutique budgets.”

Automation and AI accelerated execution without compromising quality. Custom integrations with Google Sheets and ChatGPT enabled rapid product categorisation and localised content at scale. “We used AI to automate time-intensive processes, freeing us to focus on high-level strategy. What’s typically a six-month campaign was executed in 12 weeks,” said SEO Team Lead Mauricio Talero.

International judges praised the campaign’s clear objectives, modest budget and outstanding results, highlighting innovations such as importing content from sister brands to build comprehensive product pages.

The win comes as search undergoes AI-driven change. Pathfinder recently launched its AI SEO sub-brand, positioning itself as Australia’s first dedicated AI search optimisation platform, underscoring the agency’s alignment with broader industry shifts.

For businesses weighing SEO investment, this case study offers a blueprint: strategic focus, efficient execution, and smart technology integration can deliver remarkable growth on limited budgets. The campaign achieves exceptional SEO results due to an intelligent strategy, not a massive spend.

About Pathfinder Marketing

Pathfinder Marketing is Australia’s leading digital marketing agency, specialising in performance-driven SEO strategies that generate tangible business growth. By prioritising profit-focused campaigns and leveraging cutting-edge AI-powered solutions, they help businesses scale through superior organic search results.

 

INCHEON-IFEZ Booth Wraps Up a Successful CES 2026, Recording $560M in Export Consultations and 17 Innovation Awards

By
Advertorial Desk
-

Over 15,000 visitors to the INCHEON–IFEZ Booth; IFEZ supported a record 50 innovation companies participating in CES 2026.
Participating companies secure a foundation for global expansion, including 20 MoU signings.

INCHEON, South Korea, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) announced the successful operation of the INCHEON–IFEZ Booth at CES 2026, presenting IFEZ’s future-city vision and the technologies of Incheon-based innovators to a global audience.

CES 2026 INCHEON–IFEZ Booth
CES 2026 INCHEON–IFEZ Booth

Under the theme “Destination Incheon — From Smart City to AI City,” the booth highlighted a sustainable urban future enabled by Incheon companies’ innovations and drew more than 15,000 visitors, according to IFEZ.

During CES 2026, IFEZ also met with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) to discuss support measures and collaboration models for helping Incheon startups enter the U.S. market. The two sides plan to develop practical joint programs through continued cooperation.

IFEZ supported a record 50 companies at CES 2026 across multiple participation tracks, dividing them across various exhibition areas: 10 companies in the ‘INCHEON-IFEZ’ Booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 10 in the Korea pavilion (KOTRA) at the Eureka Park, 6 in the Global Pavilion, and 15 as the Incheon Startup Park Delegation and 10 Innovation Award showcase participants.

These companies achieved record-breaking results, conducting 1,419 business consultations with overseas buyers and investors, with the estimated value of export consultations reaching $560 million—more than 400 additional meetings compared to last year. In addition, nine companies signed 20 MOUs, building momentum for global expansion and investment opportunities.

Leadpoint System, a smart manufacturing and industrial automation solutions provider, signed an MOU with Webtronic Labs, a U.S.-based technology R&D company.

emCT, which specializes in fire detection and safety management solutions, signed an MOU with Texas Legacy Realty, a Texas-based real estate development and operations company, to pursue collaboration on applying fire safety and “safe zone” solutions in commercial and residential buildings.

Medicell Healthcare, a regenerative medicine and bio-healthcare solutions company, signed an MOU with the City of Phoenix, Arizona’s largest city, and discussed cooperation on technology collaboration and local proof-of-concept initiatives in public healthcare.

IFEZ said 14 supported companies earned 17 CES Innovation Awards, the highest total to date for Incheon, drawing strong interest from global buyers and investors. Deep Fusion AI received a Best of Innovation honor for its radar-based sensor-fusion AI technology, gaining attention in next-generation autonomous driving and robotic perception.

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok said the CES participation advanced the Incheon–IFEZ AI City vision on the global stage and pledged continued support to expand Incheon companies’ international reach and strengthen Incheon as a global business hub.

 

Tam Jai International Unites Its Three Iconic Brands at Clockenflap 2025, Rallies Support for Tai Po Community with “Made in Hong Kong, Made to Move” Spirit

By
Advertorial Desk
-

All On-site Profits Donated to Fund Tai Po Fire Recovery Efforts 

HONG KONG, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tam Jai International Co. Limited (“TJI”) has concluded its debut as the official partner of Clockenflap 2025, uniting its three renowned rice noodle brands – TamJai Yunnan Mixian, TamJai SamGor Mixian and the international brand TamJai Mixian – for the first time. The collaboration brought the “Made in Hong Kong, Made to Move” spirit to the Central Harbourfront. In light of the recent tragedy in Tai Po, TJI remained guided by its genuine “Passion to Serve”, pledging all on-site profits from the festival to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals to fund recovery efforts and support for residents in need.


Throughout the weekend, the trio brands welcomed music fans on a culinary journey that embodied the brands’ dedication to the city. The activation served as a global stage to showcase TamJai and SamGor’s Hong Kong-born legacy while demonstrating how TamJai Mixian unifies the best of both brands for international expansion.

  • “Made in Hong Kong” was highlighted to celebrate bold flavours, distinctive style and a lively dining vibe, all originated in Hong Kong and brought to life through Tam Jai’s craftsmanship, signature soups and the iconic 10 spice levels honed over the years.
  • “Made to Move” symbolised the relentless drive to innovate, expand into new markets and champion noodle culture on the global stage, sharing the unique “Tam Jai Taste” with the world.

Music fans immersed themselves in rhythm and delight to taste buds at the “TamJai Avenue”, a dedicated zone decked in signature TamJai green and SamGor red to create a space that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Every corner was infused with the identities of the three brands, allowing visitors to explore installations that blended rice noodle heritage with Hong Kong culture.

Mr Daren Lau, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TJI, reflected on the event, “‘Bringing the unique Tam Jai Taste to the world’ has never been merely a statement, but a commitment and vision that we have built step by step throughout the years. From our deep origins in this vibrant city, we have cultivated three iconic brands – ‘TamJai Yunnan Mixian’, ‘TamJai SamGor Mixian’ and ‘TamJai Mixian’. Their debut on a united front at Clockenflap symbolises an important step in our journey to present Hong Kong’s spirit on a global stage, sharing our beloved ‘Tam Jai Taste’ with music enthusiasts across the globe.”

“Music has the power to connect, heal and uplift, especially in challenging times. With deep love for the families affected by the tragic Tai Po fire, TJI donates all profits from Clockenflap 2025 to support the emergency needs and recovery efforts of the community. This reflects our ‘Passion to Serve’ brand DNA, bringing warmth, care and hope to the communities we proudly call home.”


 


A Culinary Recap: The Taste of Hong Kong

Festival-goers gathered at “The Taste of Hong Kong” dining area to experience an East-meets-West menu created exclusively for the event.


While fans enjoyed reimagined classics like the Mini Mixian with Pork Belly in Mala Soup, the standout items of the weekend included the innovative “Minced Pork and Homemade Pickle” series. The Minced Pork and Homemade Pickles Mini Burger and the fusion-style Avocado in Garlic and Chilli Sauce were among the most popular choices, demonstrating how authentic mixian ingredients can be transformed into shareable festival snacks.


Local Craftsmanship: Spiced Mixology

The “Spiced Mixology” Bar, a partnership with local craft distiller Perfume Trees Gin, offered cocktails that captured the essence of Hong Kong. With unique and distinctive flavours, both drinks sold out quickly on each event day and became one of the most sought-after highlights of the music festival.

  • Spicy Banger (Left): A crisp gin base sharpened by SamGor’s signature spice, lychee and lemongrass, finished with a facing heaven chilli.
  • Gin’ger (Right): A refreshing mix of TamJai’s soup essence, whiskey and gin, balanced with warming ginger and a crisp cucumber garnish.


 


Interactive Highlights: Engaging with the Brand

Beyond the culinary offerings, “TamJai Avenue” provided immersive cultural experiences. The “Make Your Own Bowl” workshop saw hundreds of fans creating customised phone straps featuring ingredient-shaped charms. Meanwhile, the “Spicy Soup Master” activation invited participants to roll a giant dice, with those braving the “Extremely Spicy” level receiving exclusive memorabilia. The “Bring TamJai Home” collection, featuring “Tastebud Troopers” plush toys and “Spicy Monster Gang” figurines, also proved to be a popular memento of the festival.


Looking Ahead: A Milestone Year in 2026

Following the conclusion of Clockenflap, TJI is looking towards a significant year ahead. 2026 marks the 30th Anniversary of TamJai Yunnan Mixian, a milestone celebrating three decades of serving Hong Kong. Furthermore, TamJai SamGor Mixian is preparing to take its unique flavours to new heights. Fans can look forward to a new store situated where the city connects with the world, offering one last taste of home before your next adventure. For those always on the move, you can savour the authentic taste of Tam Jai across Mainland China, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan.

About Us

Tam Jai International Co. Limited is one of the leading restaurant groups in Hong Kong, rapidly expanding its network to over 240 stores across various markets, including Mainland China, Singapore, Japan, Australia and Malaysia, with plans to enter the Philippines. Apart from self-operating restaurants, the Group also adopts alternative models such as joint venture, franchise or strategic partnership for overseas markets. The Group’s portfolio of distinguished brands includes TamJai Yunnan Mixian, TamJai SamGor Mixian, and international brand TamJai Mixian, as well as Japanese dining brands, Marugame Seimen and Yakiniku Yamagyu, through franchise and licensing in Hong Kong.

With highly standardised operations, an innovative spirit and an efficient management model, TJI is committed to providing customers with a quality yet affordable dining experience while ambitiously expanding its footprints across the globe.

TamJai Yunnan Mixian brand is a fast casual restaurant chain in Hong Kong with operations in Mainland China. Our brand has over 30 years of history and the first restaurant under the TamJai Yunnan Mixian brand in Hong Kong was opened in 1996. In 2021, we opened our first restaurant under our brand in Mainland China.

TamJai SamGor Mixian brand is a fast casual restaurant chain in Hong Kong with operations in Singapore. Our brand has over 17 years of history and the first restaurant under the TamJai SamGor Mixian brand in Hong Kong was opened in 2008. In 2020 and 2022, we opened our first restaurant under our brand in Singapore and Japan respectively.

TamJai Mixian represents our international brand, capturing the essence of our flagship brands “TamJai Yunnan Mixian” and “TamJai SamGor Mixian” in Hong Kong. We launched our first store under this brand in Melbourne, Australia, in November 2024. Our stores in Mainland China were also revamped into “TamJai Mixian” starting from 2024. In July 2025, we opened our first restaurant in Malaysia.

AGIBOT’s Humanoid Robots Take Home Multiple Best of CES 2026 Awards Following U.S. Debut

By
Advertorial Desk
-

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AGIBOT, a leading robotics company specializing in embodied intelligence, today marked its official entry into the U.S. market at CES 2026 with the debut of the industry’s most complete humanoid and quadruped robotics lineup to date. Showcasing the AGIBOT A2 Series, X2 Series, G2 Series, and D1 Series, AGIBOT gained widespread recognition from prominent media outlets at CES 2026. Underscoring the company’s growing influence in the global robotics industry, AGIBOT took home several Best of CES 2026 awards.

At a time when humanoid robotics is still nascent yet rapidly advancing, AGIBOT stands apart with a proven transition from advanced R&D to real-world deployment at scale. These awards highlight a broader industry shift as robotics moves rapidly toward deployable, production-ready systems. Amidst the competition, AGIBOT was recognized during CES 2026 to have been “topping the list of humanoid producers,” according to Bloomberg, by taking the #1 spot in terms of humanoid shipments in 2025 at an estimated 5,168 robots according to figures from analyst firm Omida. 

At CES 2026, AGIBOT showcased its full lineup of embodied robots, which Forbes explained was, “already operational across eight core commercial applications,” including reception, entertainment, manufacturing, logistics (sorting), security inspections, data collection and scientific research.”

Recognized for “presenting one of the most complete and operationally mature humanoid robot portfolios at the show,” Ubergizmo awarded the company a Best of Show 2026 award for AGIBOT and its Genie Sim 3.0 for offering a “complete robotics portfolio and the software platform connecting them.” 

AGIBOT also received acclaim and was awarded by Global Top Brands for being one of the top Global Emerging Brands during CES 2026. AGIBOT also recognized A2 Series as one of Best of CES 2026 by MacStories. 

Forbes recognized the real-world applications for the A2 Series, which was described as a “bipedal humanoid that is intended for customer service or front desk reception duties. In fact, Netzwelt recognized the A2 Series, along with the D1 Series – a quadruped robot that navigates challenging terrain – by awarding them a coveted Netzwelt Innovation Award 2026 at CES. Adding to the list of awards, Netzwelt also distinguished the G2 Series for both its industrial applications, but also its ability to fold clothes or pour water. Rounding out the products showcased at CES was the AGIBOT X2 Series, a half-sized humanoid robot, to which TechCrunch added, “the company aims to market them to businesses for entertainment purposes.” 

For more information, please visit AGIBOT at AGIBOT.com and follow AGIBOT on:

https://www.facebook.com/AGIBOT.zhiyuan
https://x.com/AGIBOT_zhiyuan
https://www.instagram.com/AGIBOT_
https://www.youtube.com/@AGIBOT-robot 

About AGIBOT

AGIBOT is dedicated to driving innovation through the integration of AI and robotics, creating world-leading general-purpose embodied robot products and an application ecosystem. Built on the foundation of the robotic body and powered by the fusion of interaction, manipulation, and locomotion intelligence — “1 Robotic Body + 3 Intelligence” — AGIBOT is a leading robotics company in the industry to deliver a complete product portfolio and deploy across all major application scenarios. According to industry analysts, AGIBOT ranked No.1 globally in humanoid robot shipments in 2025.

 

Authorities Step Up Crackdown as Drug Smuggling Cases Surface Across Laos

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
-
Lao authorities intercepted major drug trafficking operations in early 2026, including heroin seizures at Wattay International Airport and methamphetamine smuggling along the Mekong River.

Lao authorities have intercepted several major drug trafficking operations since the start of 2026, underscoring persistent challenges at international gateways, within domestic networks, and along cross-border routes in the Mekong region.

Wattay Airport Heroin Busts

At Wattay International Airport, authorities on 8 January detained a 26-year-old Nigerian national attempting to smuggle 9.8 kilograms of heroin to Nigeria, concealed in his luggage. Five days later, officers arrested a 73-year-old German national carrying 2.8 kilograms of heroin bound for Malaysia.

Police transferred both suspects to the Counter-Narcotics Police Department for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Domestic Operations Combat Local Distribution

Enforcement efforts have also focused on domestic drug distribution. On 16 January, authorities in Phin district, Savannakhet Province, arrested a 27-year-old bus driver identified as Thipphachan in possession of a large quantity of illicit items, including 130 sachets of drug-infused collagen, 26 kilograms of kratom leaves, and 40 illegal e-cigarettes.

Officials reiterated warnings to the public, particularly young people, about the serious legal and social consequences of drug involvement.

Cross-Border Trafficking Persists

Cross-border trafficking remains a major concern. On 14 January, Thai authorities in Nakhon Phanom intercepted around one million methamphetamine pills smuggled from Khammouane Province along the Mekong River, arresting two suspects while others escaped.

In a separate case, Thai officials in Bueng Kan Province, opposite Laos’ Bolikhamxay Province, recovered 55 ivory tusks weighing a total of 169 kilograms that had been trafficked across the Mekong. Two men were detained in connection with the operation.

Authorities in Laos and neighboring countries continue to stress the importance of public awareness and regional cooperation to curb the flow of heroin, methamphetamine, wildlife products, and other illicit goods across the Mekong region.

1...1,3621,3631,364...6,566Page 1,363 of 6,566