Government

Laos Reports COVID-Era Graft, Jails Former Official in Separate Corruption Cases

Authorities in Laos have disciplined 153 people and referred another 21 for judicial proceedings over a COVID-era scheme that allowed Chinese nationals to evade quarantine fees or pay rates above official limits, causing total losses of approximately USD 2.2 million. State Inspection Authority President Vansay Phongsavanh reported the case to...

Laos Seeks Higher Age Limits, More Couple Slots for Farm Workers in South Korea

Laos has asked South Korea’s Seongju County to raise age limits and expand seasonal...

Health Ministry Finds More Than 180 Illegal Beauty Centers, Orders Nationwide Re-Inspection

The Lao Ministry of Health has ordered a nationwide re-inspection of private medical and...

Laos Shifts Tourism Licensing Powers to Provincial, District Authorities

Laos is revising how tourism business licences are issued and enforced, dividing responsibilities among...

Laos Sets 60 Million-Liter Fuel Reserve Floor, Diversifies Imports, Lao PM Saleumxay Says

Laos will keep domestic fuel reserves at around 60 million liters or more and...

Myanmar’s Leader Wraps First ASEAN Visit in Laos, Signs Mekong Dam Study

Myanmar's recently elected President, Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in the 2021 military coup before being elected earlier this year, wrapped up his...

Fire Incidents Cost Laos Over USD 14 Million in First Half of 2026

Fire incidents across Laos claimed eight lives and destroyed homes, businesses, and vehicles during the first half of 2026, leaving behind more than LAK...

Former EDL Executives, Senior Officials Get Life in Landmark Laos Corruption Cases

On 1 July, the Vientiane Capital People’s Court announced verdicts in four major corruption cases involving 17 defendants, among them former senior government officials,...

Laos, South Korea Sign USD 1.1 Million in Agriculture Deals

Laos and South Korea have sealed two new agriculture deals worth more than USD 1.1 million. The two countries signed the memorandums of understanding (MOUs)...

Laos Raises Tax-Free Income Threshold Under New Personal Income Tax Rules

Laos has officially raised the monthly income exempt from personal income tax from LAK 1.3 million (USD 58.8) to LAK 2.5 million (USD 113.5),...

Laos Extends Condolences After Deadly Venezuela Earthquake

Laos has extended its condolences to Venezuela after a powerful earthquake left more than 1,400 people dead and thousands more injured, in one of...