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Laos Cuts 7-Day Base Interest Rate to 7% as Economic Risks Persist

The Bank of Laos (BOL) has cut its seven-day base interest rate from 8 percent to 7 percent a year as inflation remains below the government’s 8 percent target. The Monetary Policy Committee approved the cut at its meeting on 20 August, where it reviewed monetary policy, economic conditions, fuel...

Laos Gives Unlicensed Beauty Clinics Until November to Obtain Permits Amid Weak Oversight Concerns

The Ministry of Health has ordered unlicensed medical and beauty facilities across Laos to...

Sekong Warns of Dam Water Releases as Heavy Rain Raises Flood Risk

Authorities in Sekong have warned residents living downstream of the Houay Lamphanh Lower Hydropower...

Japanese Arrivals to Laos Jump 36 Percent Amid Renewed Tokyo Tourism Push

Laos welcomed 23,133 Japanese tourists in the first six months of 2026, a 36...

Prime Minister Calls for Tighter Oversight of Boten SEZ Amid Development Challenges

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for stronger management of the Boten Special Economic...

‘Human Zoo?’ Chiang Mai Cafe Ignites Debate Across Social Media

A café in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, has stirred heated debate on Thai social media after a doctor posted a photo of herself visiting...

East Asia Pacific Growth Slows in 2025, World Bank Says

East Asia and Pacific has led in economic growth, but to sustain momentum and create jobs, countries must address global uncertainties. Key challenges include...

Lao Police Arrest 26 in Illegal Surrogacy Operation in Luang Namtha

Lao authorities have arrested 26 individuals, including three Chinese nationals, for their involvement in an illegal surrogacy operation uncovered at a public hospital in...

Mekong River Commission Celebrates 30 Years, Calls for Enhanced Regional Cooperation

On 24 April, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) celebrated a major milestone with Mekong Day 2025 in Vientiane, marking 30 years since the signing...

Myanmar TikTok Astrologer Arrested for Forecasting New Quake

AFP - Myanmar authorities have arrested a TikTok astrologer for spreading panic by predicting another strong earthquake in the aftermath of last month's tremor,...

Thailand-Cambodia Crime Pact Shouldn’t Undermine Human Rights, Says Right Group

Thailand and Cambodia’s new agreement to combat transnational crime must not come at the expense of human rights, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on...