Feature

The Photographer Who Speaks for Laos’ Forests

In the forests of Laos, observation comes before words for Souksamlan “Toun” Laladeth. That idea inspired the title of his debut visual anthology, Where the Forests Have No Words, officially launched on 5 October in Vientiane*.* "People call me a conservation and nature photographer. But really, I'm just a simple person,...

Deported to Laos, US Returnees Find Their Way in an Unfamiliar Home

The men behind a barbecue grill in Vientiane speak English more easily than Lao. Some...

Seven Lao Artists Are Taking Life Advice From Cats

Cats spend much of their day sleeping, stretching in the sun, at times hunting,...

Young Lao Footballers Win International Titles as World Cup Fever Grows

While the FIFA World Cup dominates football headlines, a Lao youth footballers has returned...

Teenage Gangs Spark Public Safety Concerns Across Vientiane

Recent police arrests have renewed public concern over rising youth violence and reckless motorcycle...

Love Wins in Thailand: Country Celebrates First Day of Equal Marriage

Laotian Times/AFP - On 23 January, Thailand marked a historic milestone as its same-sex marriage law officially came into effect, with the LGBTQ+ community...

Laos Faces Severe Blood Shortage as Only Five Provinces Meet Donation Targets

Laos has long been grappling with a blood donation shortage. In 2024, several provincial branches of the Lao Red Cross failed to meet their...

Nam Ngum 1 Reservoir Reopens with Green Initiatives

Additional reporting by Souliyasone Ngotsyoudom Vientiane Province is once again in the spotlight with a fresh tourism draw—the newly upgraded Nam Ngum 1 Reservoir Recreation...

Vientiane’s New Bus Project: A Step Forward or a Traffic Gamble?

Additional reporting by Kheuakham Chanlivong In Laos, daily commutes are largely dominated by private vehicles, with public buses playing only a minor role in Vientiane...

Creative Economy Revolution: How ASEAN’s Youth are Leading the Charge

On 2 to 5 December, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit 2024 brought together 100 young leaders from across ASEAN and Timor-Leste...

For a more just, equal and prosperous world, prioritize the human rights of women and girls

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director, Natalia Kanem, on Human Rights Day, 10 December Human rights exist to protect us, all of us, from harm and...