Government

Laos Authorities Arrest Four in Alleged Marriage Trafficking Network

On 23 July, Lao authorities arrested four people suspected of operating a human trafficking network that allegedly recruited Lao women for irregular marriages with foreign nationals, officials reported. Authorities said police traced the brokers to Kham district in Xieng Khouang Province and Nongkeng village in Xaythany district, Vientiane Capital, with...

Cambodia, Vietnam, Belarus, Others Mourn Death of Lao NA President Xaysomphone

Foreign leaders and diplomatic missions are paying tribute to Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the...

Laos Considers VAT Exemption to Subsidize Electricity for Low-Income Households

Laos’ National Assembly (NA) is considering a proposal to exempt subsidized residential electricity from...

Laos National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane Dies at 69

Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of Laos’ National Assembly and one of the country’s most senior...

Laos Deports 32 Thai Nationals After ST Vegas Raid

Laos has deported 32 Thai nationals following a major police operation at the ST...

Rising Costs Prompt Market Reform Proposals

National Assembly Representative for Vientiane Capital, Valy Vethsaphong, has called on the Lao government to address the rising prices of essential goods, despite the...

Vientiane Economy Hits 5.85 Percent Growth, Beating Expectations

Vientiane Capital's economy grew by 5.85 percent, surpassing the National Assembly's initial target of 0.30 percent, according to the city Mayor Atsaphangthong Siphandone.  Atsaphangthong reported...

Bolikhamxay Confronts Rising Student Drug Abuse Crisis

Bolikhamxay Province is grappling with a growing crisis of drug use among students, with authorities reporting alarming trends and new drug forms gaining popularity,...

Laos Announces New Allowance Policy to Support Civil Servants, Families

The Lao government announced a new allowance policy on 13 December to help civil servants, military personnel, and public employees cope with rising living...

New LEAD Project Aims to Improve Education, Professional Development in Laos

To enhance higher education in Laos, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the "Laos Higher Education for Accelerated Development (LEAD)"...

Lao Government Introduces Digital Border Fees for Tourists

Starting 1 September, the Lao government began collecting a fee of LAK 10,000 (USD 0.46) from all domestic and international tourists, including group tours...