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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...

Laos-Thailand Railway Prepares for Official Opening with Trial Runs

Laos and Thailand have commenced a trial run of the new cross-border railway service before its official launch, which is expected to be announced...

Border Drug Smuggling Challenges Persist in Laos Despite Cooperative Efforts

Despite concerted efforts with neighboring countries, Laos continues to grapple with persistent drug smuggling activities along its borders. Recent high-profile arrests underscore the severity...

Thai Activist, Hunger-striker Dies in Custody

Thai democracy activist Nethiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom (28) passed away on 14 May to cardiac arrest at Thammasat University Hospital in Pathum Thani, shortly after...

Second Lao University Games Concludes with NUOL Triumph

The second Lao University Games wrapped up in Vientiane on 13 May with the distribution of hundreds of medals to Lao athletes.  Held at the...

Indonesian Rescuers Search Through Rivers, Rubble After Flash Floods That Killed at Least 50

TANAH DATAR, Indonesia (AP) — Rescuers on 14 May searched in rivers and the rubble of devastated villages for bodies, and whenever possible, survivors...

Lao Government Mandates Licensing for Commercial Land Use

In a move aimed at regulating land-related businesses and tax management, the Lao government has introduced a ban on issuing land titles to buyers...