Feature

Lao Scholar Draws on History to Explore What Makes a Country ‘Great’

In many Lao communities, temples are among the cleanest places around. People sweep the grounds, tend to the gardens, and take care of the buildings. There is a shared understanding that these places are sacred, belong to everyone, and that caring for them is a collective responsibility. But why doesn't...

The Photographer Who Speaks for Laos’ Forests

In the forests of Laos, observation comes before words for Souksamlan “Toun” Laladeth. That idea...

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...

Echoes of Celebration: China New Year Comes Alive in Laos

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, has long been celebrated not only in China but also across Southeast Asia. Laos is...

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...