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...

Vietnam Abolishes Death Penalty for Spying, Anti-state Activities

AFP - Vietnam has abolished the death penalty for eight crimes, including espionage, graft, and attempting to overthrow the government, state media said on...

Vietnam Approves New Law Allowing Foreign Spouses to Gain Citizenship Without Residency

Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens will now be eligible for Vietnamese citizenship without having to meet previous residency, language, or financial requirements, following a...

Corruption in Lao Banking Sector Causes LAK 1.6 Billion in Losses in 2024, Bank of Laos Says

Widespread corruption in Laos’ banking sector led to nearly LAK 1.6 billion (around USD 74,000) in financial losses in 2024, according to the Bank...

Three Lao Women Arrested in Thailand for Involvement in Illegal Prostitution

On 14 June, three Lao women were arrested in Thailand for engaging in illegal prostitution activities in Mueang district, Nakhon Nayok Province. According to Thailand’s...

Man Confesses to Teen Murder Driven by Obsession, Case Sent to Prosecutor

Attapeu authorities brought a 40-year-old man to the scene of a crime he allegedly committed in February, where he is accused of murdering his...

Thai Parliament Passes Cybercrime Decree Mandating Banks, Telecom Providers to Compensate Scam Victims

Thailand’s House of Representatives has passed a new Royal Decree aimed at tackling the growing threat of online scams, with a key provision requiring...