Government

Laos Seizes Major Drug Hauls, Arrests Over 4,000 in Six Months

Laos arrested 4,025 suspects in connection with 1,786 drug cases during the first six months of 2026 as authorities intensified a nationwide crackdown on narcotics, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone told the National Assembly on 6 July. Laos has been stepping up in its anti-drug campaigns by targeting both domestic drug...

Railway Expansion, Education Reform Among Key Issues at National Assembly

Expanding the railway to southern Laos, rolling out a new school system, reducing poverty,...

Laos Steps Up Illegal Mining Crackdown After Luang Prabang Gold Mining Cases

The Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce has ordered a nationwide crackdown on illegal...

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...

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...

Bank of Laos Reduces Transfer Fees on Foreign Currency Deposit Accounts

On 3 April, the Bank of Laos (BOL) made a new announcement, mandating that transfers between foreign currency deposit account holders will incur a...

Social Media Users Question Government Report Claiming Poverty Eradication in Vientiane

A recent government report claiming that 99.43 percent of families in Vientiane Capital have been lifted out of poverty has sparked widespread skepticism on...

Laos Sets Ambitious Targets for Energy, Mining Sector

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has outlined a vision for the energy and mining sector, aiming to increase its contribution to 25 percent of...

Lao Business Forum Highlights Progress, Challenges, Path Forward for Private Sector Development

At the 16th Lao Business Forum, held at the Don Chan Palace in Vientiane on 3 April, government officials, foreign diplomats, business leaders, and...

Former President Khamtai Siphandone Passes Away at 101

The Former President of Laos, Khamtai Siphandone, passed away at the age of 101 at his home in Vientiane Capital on 2 April. From...

State Inspection Authority Officials Detained as Corruption Investigation Unfolds

Four senior officials from the State Inspection Authority (SIA) and three individuals accused of corruption and bribery are set to face punishment, according to...