Culture

The Photographer Who Speaks for Laos’ Forests

In the forests of Laos, observation comes before words for Souksamlan “Toun” Laladeth. That idea inspired the title of his debut visual anthology, Where the Forests Have No Words, officially launched on 5 October in Vientiane*.* "People call me a conservation and nature photographer. But really, I'm just a simple person,...

Deported to Laos, US Returnees Find Their Way in an Unfamiliar Home

The men behind a barbecue grill in Vientiane speak English more easily than Lao. Some...

Khammouane Targets UNESCO Geopark Status to Boost Tourism

Khammouane is preparing a UNESCO bid for the Hinboun Geopark, hoping the international designation...

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...

OP-ED: Cluster Bombs Still Threaten Lao Farmers Decades After War

By Eli Mechanic, Country Director for MAG Laos (Mines Advisory Group) In the early hours...

Red Lanterns Removed from Vang Vieng’s Chang Cave Over “Un-Lao” Concerns

Vientiane provincial authorities inspected Chang cave in Vang Vieng on Tuesday, 21 April. They promptly ordered changes to newly installed decorations that had ignited...

Xayaburi Cracks Down on Shirtless Celebrations, Roadside Water Guns, Inappropriate Behavior

Authorities in Xieng Hon district, Xayaburi Province, have issued a notice outlining strict rules for Pi Mai Lao celebrations, including bans on roadside water...

Strict Rules Set for Upcoming Pi Mai Lao Celebrations, Officials Say

Authorities in Laos have laid out strict rules to control public behaviour during upcoming Pi Mai Lao, targeting unsafe and disruptive activities in Vientiane...

Laos PM Orders Tighter Safety Rules for Tourism Sector

Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for stricter safety measures across Laos’ tourism sector, with a focus on high-risk and emerging activities, as...

Laos to Curb Social Media Content Eroding Lao Culture, PM Says

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has urged the Ministry of Culture and Torurism to introduce new legislation to curb and monitor content online that...

Savannakhet Urges Simple Pi Mai Lao Celebrations Amid Budget Concerns

Savannakhet authorities are urging simple and responsible Pi Mai Lao celebrations this year, warning against unnecessary spending as economic pressure continues. In a notice issued...