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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...

Global Reading Crisis: 300 Million Children at Risk by 2030, Report Says

More than 300 million children, representing 37 percent of all young people worldwide, will fail to achieve basic reading proficiency by 2030 if immediate...

Crackdown on Corruption: Lao Officials Push for Severe Penalties

The government has lost significant sums of money to corruption, with the State Inspection Authority identifying development and investment projects, especially roads and bridges,...

Chinese Girl Sparks Debate After Entering Global Math Contest Finals

Jiang Ping, a 17-year-old student in China, has sparked debate on mathematics and education after she was shortlisted for the 2024 Alibaba Global Mathematics...

Thailand’s Senate Overwhelmingly Approves Landmark Bill to Legalize Marriage Equality

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday, 18 June, to approve a marriage equality bill, clearing the last legislative hurdle for the...

Laos, Vietnam to Launch Cross-Border QR Payment Service in August

Laos and Vietnam will launch a cross-border QR payment service to enhance tourism and economic exchanges between the two nations. The service is expected...

Efforts Underway to Lower Airfares Between Bokeo-Vientiane

The Lao government is negotiating with Bokeo International Airport to establish affordable Lao Airlines flights between Bokeo Province and Vientiane Capital.  This effort aims...