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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...

Golden Triangle SEZ Tax Revenue Plunges 49% in 2025 as Hundreds of Businesses Shut Down

Tax revenue in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province dropped nearly 49 percent in 2025, following the closure of 551...

Laos, The Asia Foundation Team Up to Protect Nature, People

The Asia Foundation - On 23 February, the Department of Environment under Laos’ Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, signed a partnership agreement with The...

Thailand to Raise International Departure Tax by 53 Percent from 20 June

Thailand is set to increase the international departure Passenger Service Charge from 20 June.  The move will be implemented across six major airports, which include...

Laos Prioritizes Self-Reliant Economy in Next Five Years

The Lao government has planned to build a self-reliant and sustainable economy, leaders said Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the latest government meeting on...

Japan to Introduce Pre-Travel Authorization System by 2028

Japan is set to launch the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) by fiscal year 2028, a mandatory online pre-screening system targeting visa-exempt...

Rising Bad Air Quality Levels Expose Waste Issues, World Bank Funds Major Reform

Air pollution in Laos is worsening, with PM2.5 levels across southern provinces now reaching concentrations that pose risks to public health, according to data...