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...

Vientiane Authorities Report Over 135 Hectares of Illegal Mining

Vientiane authorities have revealed that illegal mining activities across the capital cover over 135 hectares, far exceeding legal limits.  Of eight companies operating in the...

Three Lao Women Arrested for Online Sex Services in Bangkok

On 8 August, Thai authorities arrested three Lao women for offering online sexual services online in Bangkok. The police launched the operation after receiving a...

Two Lao Women Among Five Arrested in Pattaya Sex Livestream Bust

Thai Police arrested five foreign nationals on 7 August after discovering they had been livestreaming sexual content from a luxury pool villa in Pattaya...

Oudomxay Cracks Down on Illegal Venues, Arrests 73 Sex Workers

Oudomxay Provincial Police have arrested 73 sex workers during a large-scale operation targeting illegal establishments in Namo district. The coordinated raid, conducted on 30 July...

Champasack Bans Wildlife Collection and Trade

Southern Laos’ Champasack Province on 25 July announced a ban on the collection, trading, and raising of wild animals and birds in their natural...

Champasack Province Enforces Fines for Free-Roaming Livestock Starting 1 August

Champasack Province has introduced strict regulations, effective 1 August, to fine individuals who allow their livestock to roam freely on public roads. Accidents involving vehicles...