Culture

Miss Universe Laos 2026 Told to Stop Activities Over Brand Rights

Miss Grand International Public Company Limited (MGI) has demanded that organizers of Miss Universe Laos 2026 immediately stop all activities, saying they lack permission to hold the pageant or use the Miss Universe trademarks. In a statement, MGI and Miss Universe Eastern Pte. Ltd. said they had not authorized the...

Laos Bans Money Bouquets, Crafts Made From Kip Banknotes

Laos has banned the production, sale, and advertising of crafts made from kip banknotes,...

The Photographer Who Speaks for Laos’ Forests

In the forests of Laos, observation comes before words for Souksamlan “Toun” Laladeth. That idea...

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...

Lao-American Chef Saeng Douangdara Launches Debut Cookbook in New York

Lao-American chef Saeng Douangdara has launched his debut cookbook, The Lao Kitchen: Lao Flavors and Stories Told Through Family Recipes, at the Museum of...

China to Tighten Control Over Micro-Drama Content

China is stepping up regulation of micro-dramas, with new measures introduced on 2 May targeting content that often features rich–poor romance storylines and dramatic...

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...