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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...

Lottery Error Triggers Broader Debate Over Scam Cases and Banking Safeguards in Laos

A mistake during a national lottery broadcast has evolved into a broader public discussion about digital banking security and the handling of scam-related transactions...

Laos Climbs Corruption Rankings, Surpasses Thailand for First Time

Laos improved its standing in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), rising one position and surpassing Thailand for the first time. The country scored 34...

Laos Targets 6 Million Visitors in 2026 as Chinese Arrivals Projected at 2 Million

Laos expects to welcome between 5 and 6 million international tourists in 2026, with Chinese visitors projected to account for around 2 million of...

Mekong Heart Project Treats First Children at Mahosot Hospital

The Mekong Children’s Heart Care Project has treated its first children with congenital heart disease at Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane, marking a major step...

Luang Prabang to Restrict Tour Vans from City Centre, End Riverside Parking

Authorities in Luang Prabang have approved new traffic measures to reduce congestion around the Night Market and historic areas, following repeated complaints over traffic...

Man Arrested in Thailand for Smuggling Rhino Horn Hidden in Meat Bound for Laos

AFP - Thai authorities arrested a man for allegedly smuggling more than 11 kilograms of rhino horns inside wrapped meat, in a case officials...