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...

Laos to Reintroduce Sub-Districts in Nationwide Administrative Reform

Laos is planning to reintroduce sub-districts, known as "Ta Saeng," as part of a nationwide administrative restructuring aimed at improving local governance and public...

Laos, Japan Discuss Plans for Direct Flights, Visa Easing

Laos and Japan have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties and paving the way for closer...

Laos Launches New Initiative to Preserve, Enhance Traditional Medicine Production

On 20 January, the Institute of Medicine and Traditional Medicine under the Ministry of Health signed a new agreement with the Chanthabouly District Young...

New Strategy Set to Streamline Trade, Logistics Operations in Laos

On 21 January, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce held a nationwide meeting to approve the draft Trade and Transport Facilitation Strategy 2025-2030. The...

Laos Sends Condolences to US as Los Angeles Wildfires Rage

Laotian Times and Huw GRIFFITH/AFP- On 17 January, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone sent a letter of condolences to the Former United States President...

Xekong Province Takes Action to Combat Growing School Dropout Rates

Xekong Province is stepping up efforts to address the rising school dropout rates, which continue to challenge local education systems, authorities said. Provincial officials are...