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...

Back in Business: How Tourists Are Reviving Laos’ Hotels, Restaurants, Communities

After years of pandemic-induced quiet, Laos is seeing its hotels fill up, restaurants reopen, and communities come back to life, thanks to a new...

World Suicide Prevention Day: Lao Expert Urges Early Support as Challenges Remain

Today, 10 September, marks World Suicide Prevention Day, and like in most corners of the world, in Laos, death by suicide remains a major...

Lao Transgender Queen Turns Struggles Into Pride on Global Stage

Taneung Inthavong Chanthasenesack, recently crowned Miss International Queen Laos 2025, will represent Laos at the world’s largest transgender beauty pageant in Thailand this September.  Her...

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...

On the Frontlines of Crisis: Why Health Workers Need Urgent Protection and Funding

On World Humanitarian Day, 19 August,  Pio Smith, UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific,...

Fruit of Her Labor: How a Young Farmer Is Redefining Agriculture in Laos

A young woman in Luang Prabang is proving that farming can be more than just survival—it can be a source of pride, sustainability, and...