Socio-Economic Development

Lao Scholar Draws on History to Explore What Makes a Country ‘Great’

In many Lao communities, temples are among the cleanest places around. People sweep the grounds, tend to the gardens, and take care of the buildings. There is a shared understanding that these places are sacred, belong to everyone, and that caring for them is a collective responsibility. But why doesn't...

Laos Links South Korea Work Visas to Overstay Rates as Program Expands

Laos will suspend access to South Korea’s seasonal work program for 3 years if...

More Lao Citizens Live Abroad as Foreign Population Nearly Doubles

The number of foreign nationals living in Laos has nearly doubled over the past...

Laos’ Population Growth Slows as Birth Rates Fall, 2025 Census Finds

Laos’ population is growing more slowly, with birth rates falling and the population getting...

Laos Economy Grows 4.8 percent in Nine Months, but Inflation, Tourism Lag

Laos’ economy grew 4.8 percent in the first nine months of 2026, Prime Minister...

Laos, Lithuania Sign New Cooperation Agreement to Boost Diplomatic Ties

On 27 April, Lao Foreign Affairs Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys signed a new bilateral cooperation agreement in Bandar Seri...

Laos-China Trade Nears USD 10 Billion as Ties Deepen

Laos and China marked 65 years of diplomatic relations this week, with both sides highlighting deepening economic ties, including more than USD 18 billion...

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...

Thailand Expands Support to Laos with 30 Scholarships

Thailand will provide 30 master’s degree scholarships each year to Lao students, as both countries step up education cooperation under a new agreement.  Officials announced...

Laos Reviews Minimum Wage Increase as Living Costs Rise

Lao authorities are reviewing a proposed increase to the national minimum wage, with figures under discussion reaching up to LAK 4.1 million (USD 190)...

Laos Sets Sights on Stronger Universities With New Round of Education Reforms

Laos is investing in its higher education system, with the government announcing a new wave of reforms aimed at raising university standards, modernizing curricula,...