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,...

Laotian Eye: Faster Times At Pi Mai As Culture, Continuity, Change Collide at Lao New Year

Thailand knows the time of year as Songkran. Cambodia has Chol Chnam Thmey. Myanmar marks the occasion with Thingyan. In Laos, Boun Pi Mai. Also Known...

Tokyo 2020’s Road: Para-Swimmers Dive In As All Laos Meet Proves Milestone En Route Toward National Teams, Paralympic Dreams

With just some 500 days or so to go to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, inclement weather did not stop swimmers including prospective Lao...

Future Electric: EV Destiny Driving Rapidly Towards Laos

Promising prospects for electric vehicles (EV) in Laos as an agreement signed between power producer ລັດວິສາຫະກິດໄຟຟ້າລາວ EDL and electric-powered vehicle proponents EVLao, The Laotian Times reports. Looking to...

Laos Criminalizes Animal Abuse in Updated Penal Code

Laos has added a new section to its penal code that criminalizes animal abuse. This section appears in the latest version of the country’s penal code,...

Lumberings & Longings: Trials, Tales As Domesticated Elephants, Handlers Adjust to A New Era in Laos

Like wildlife in biological hotspots worldwide, Laos' wild and domesticated elephants alike are facing a time of rapid and significant change, amid increased man-made developments...

Climate Change: Taming the Waters in Laos’ Xayaboury Province

Helping farmers in their efforts to adjust to climate change in Laos' Xayaboury Province alongside Lao government partners, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was active back...