Annoucement

Saleumxay Kommasith Becomes Laos New Prime Minister, Sonexay Takes National Assembly Helm

Today, Laos has made a major change to its top leadership, appointing former Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith as prime minister and moving outgoing Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to the presidency of the National Assembly. The reshuffle follows the death of National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane in August at age...

Laos to Reopen Applications for Non-Bank Financial Institutions by End of 2026

The Lao central bank plans to resume accepting applications to establish new non-bank financial...

Laos Orders Banks to Block Crypto Purchases on Unlicensed Foreign Platforms

Laos has moved to tighten controls on cryptocurrency purchases through foreign platforms, ordering banks...

Vientiane Shuts Down KM38 Dharma Practice Center After Leader Defies Order Over Reborn Buddha Claim

On 24 September, Vientiane authorities shut down the KM38 Dharma Practice Center in Sangsai...

Thailand Restores 30-Day Visa-Free Stay, Limits Visa-Free Land Entries to Twice a Year

UPDATED on 30 September with an official confirmation from the Thai Embassy Thailand has cut...

Lao Government Suspends Mining Company Over River Pollution in Vang Vieng

The Lao government has ordered Daochalearn Mineral Processing Sole Co., Ltd. to immediately suspend its iron ore mining and processing operations in Vientiane Province...

Sihom Night Market Vendors Left in Limbo Ahead of 25 July Closure

Sihom Night Market in Vientiane Capital will officially close on 25 July, but with just two days to go, many vendors say they still...

Laos Suspends Vientiane Private Hospital Suspected of Organ Trafficking

The Ministry of Health announced the immediate closure of BLL Hospital after a Taiwanese media investigation published allegations of organ trafficking at the facility. Despite...

Laos Requires Approval for Home EV Chargers, Tightens Rules on Charging Stations

Residents across Laos will now need government approval before installing electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment at home, under new regulations aimed at improving safety. A...

Laos Breaks Silence on Vang Vieng Tourist Deaths, Files Tiger Vodka Charges

Lao prosecutors will bring criminal charges against the owner of the Tiger Vodka factory after authorities announced the outcome of part of their investigation...

Power Outages to Hit Four Vientiane Districts in Early July

Electricite du Laos (EDL), a state-owned national electricity utility, will cut power across four Vientiane districts from 1 to 5 July to carry out...