opinion

Lower Fuel Prices Bring Relief, But Many Eye EVs as Living Costs Rise

UPDATED on 12 June at 11PM with a correction on the number of provinces covered by EV stations Fuel prices in Laos have declined steadily over the past two months, bringing some relief to motorists as inflation and transport costs ease. But for many households, fuel remains a major expense,...

LAK 210 Million Tequila Bill Puts Laos Night Out in Viral Spotlight

A single receipt forwarded in a group chat has turned into one of Laos'...

Risky Orange E-Motorbike Stunts in Vientiane Spark Safety, Behavioral Concerns

Dangerous riding involving orange electric motorbikes has sparked public concern in Vientiane Capital after...

On the Frontlines of Crisis: Why Health Workers Need Urgent Protection and Funding

On World Humanitarian Day, 19 August,  Pio Smith, UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and...

The Real Fertility Crisis? Young People are Denied Choice

On World Population Day, UNFPA Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Pio Smith calls...

FAO: Agricultural Practices Major Contributors to Air Pollution in Laos

Agricultural practices and fires are major contributors to air pollution in Laos, writes Nasar Hayat, UN FAO Representative to Laos in an Op-ed. A recently...

Could Laos Move Toward Decriminalization of Soft Drugs?

Amid a spate of recent high-profile moves against ‘soft drugs’ kratom and marijuana, many are left wondering why these should be a priority for...

Donation Request in Support of Vientiane Athletes Draws Public Ire

Residents in Vientiane Capital have expressed their dissatisfaction with a request for donations from members of society in support of athletes representing the city...

Laos’ Financial Crisis Can Be an Opportunity for Reform

Country’s previous growth trajectory was not sustainable, writes Kanni Wignaraja, U.N. assistant secretary general and director of the U.N. Development Program’s Asia and the...

Investing in Ethnic Midwives to Protect Maternal Health, UNFPA

Op-ed in line with UNFPA’s report.  Vida is a 28-year-old midwife from the Akha community who is proud of her role in ensuring women in...

Must Smuggled Food Be Destroyed? Perhaps It Could Go to the Needy

Police and provincial authorities in Laos have the authority to inspect and seize all illegal goods along the border, but why has food been...