Socio-Economic Development

‘Hidden Hands’ Cave Opens as New Tourism Site in Khammouane

On 8 June, authorities in Khammouane Province have officially opened Hidden Hands Cave (Tham Pha Mue) to visitors, marking the launch of a new heritage tourism destination expected to strengthen cultural tourism and raise the province’s international profile. The opening follows several years of archaeological research conducted by Lao and...

Laos Releases Dengue-Blocking Mosquitoes in Savannakhet

On 9 June, Savannakhet Province launched its first bacteria-enhanced mosquito release program, becoming the...

Laos Inflation Drops to 9 Percent, But Living Costs Remain High

Laos recorded an inflation rate of 9 percent in May, down from 10.2 percent...

Bank of Laos Maintains 7-Day Base Interest Rate at 8% Amid Rising Inflation

The Bank of Laos (BOL) confirmed it will maintain its 7-day base interest rate...

Laos Hydropower Firm EDL-Gen Rebounds to Profit in 2025

Electricité du Laos (EDL) Generation Public Company,  known as EDL-Gen, reported a financial comeback,...

Laos’ Inflation Eases to 5.3 Percent in July

Laos recorded an inflation rate of 5.3 percent in July, continuing a downward trend from 7.2 percent in June and 8.3 percent in May,...

Supporting Land Rights Where They Matter Most

SDC - At a community hall shaded by a tin roof and framed by paddy fields, more than two hundred villagers from Ban Nam...

Mobile Phones Fuel Surge in Savings: What the Global Trend Means for Laos

More adults than ever in low- and middle-income countries now have bank or other financial accounts, leading to a rise in formal saving, according...

Laos Makes Steady Progress in Poverty Eradication, Several Districts Declared Poverty-Free

Laos continues to make significant strides in poverty eradication, with multiple districts across the country being officially declared poverty-free, bringing the nation closer to...

Thailand Postpones Tourism Tax Again, Now Unlikely Before 2026

Thailand’s long-anticipated “Tourism tax,” often referred to as the “land entry tax,” has been delayed once again, with officials now targeting the second or...

Laos Launches New Training Program to Empower Underprivileged Lao Youth

Underprivileged Lao youths are set to receive skills training and job preparation through a newly launched initiative designed to improve living conditions and close...