Law

Laos to Reopen Applications for Non-Bank Financial Institutions by End of 2026

The Lao central bank plans to resume accepting applications to establish new non-bank financial institutions by the end of 2026, after suspending new applications earlier this year to review and update licensing regulations. Visone Saysongkham, head of the non-bank financial institution supervision department at the Bank of the Lao PDR...

Vientiane Shuts Down KM38 Dharma Practice Center After Leader Defies Order Over Reborn Buddha Claim

On 24 September, Vientiane authorities shut down the KM38 Dharma Practice Center in Sangsai...

Xaysomboun Identifies Four Companies Over Unauthorized Gold Mining

Authorities in Xaysomboun Province have identified four companies allegedly involved in unauthorized alluvial gold...

Thailand Restores 30-Day Visa-Free Stay, Limits Visa-Free Land Entries to Twice a Year

UPDATED on 30 September with an official confirmation from the Thai Embassy Thailand has cut...

Houaphanh Finds LAK 12.8 Billion in Losses Linked to Official Violations

Authorities in Houaphanh, northern Laos, have uncovered 120 officials who had allegedly  violated party...

Border Casinos Caught in Thailand-Cambodia Crossfire

By Sally JENSEN/AFP - Thailand has struck multiple casinos linked to cybercommand in neighboring Cambodia during an almost two-week-long border conflict, with the prime...

Vientiane Capital Bans Firecrackers, Fireworks Ahead of Lunar New Year

Authorities in Vientiane Capital have announced a ban on the production, importation, transportation, sale, possession, and use of firecrackers, fireworks, and sky lanterns, both...

Officials Inspect 475 Buildings in Golden Triangle SEZ, Find No Online Gaming Operations

Authorities in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone have reported full compliance with orders to suspend online gaming operations following a four-day inspection of...

Thailand Seizes USD 300 Million in Assets Linked to Cyber-Scam Networks

AFP - Thailand has seized more than USD 300 million in assets tied to criminal networks running multibillion-dollar scam centers in Southeast Asia, Prime Minister...

Thailand’s Afternoon Alcohol Sales Ban Lifted Ahead of New Year Celebrations

Laotian Times and AFP - Thailand has officially lifted its decades-old ban on alcohol sales between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, a move aimed...

Laos, Vietnam Agree to Strengthen Defense, Security, Economic Cooperation

Laos and Vietnam have signed 12 cooperation documents aimed at tightening coordination across defense, security, economic ties, and provincial partnerships during a two-day state...