Law and Crime

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 mineral extraction after recent gold mining cases in Luang Prabang Province drew public attention and renewed concerns over unauthorized mining. In a statement published on 6 July, the ministry instructed companies and the public to immediately...

Laos Arrests More Than 4,400 in Cybercrime Crackdown During First Half of 2026

Laos recorded more than 4,400 arrests linked to cybercrime, online scams, and illegal gambling...

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 Seizes More Than 110 Kilograms of Suspected Wildlife Products in Luang Prabang

Lao authorities have seized more than 110 kilograms of suspected illegal wildlife products and...

Former EDL Executives, Senior Officials Get Life in Landmark Laos Corruption Cases

On 1 July, the Vientiane Capital People’s Court announced verdicts in four major corruption...

Laos Informs Thais that Kratom Remains Illegal

The Lao Department of Food and Drug Safety is concerned with the illegal use of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) in Laos. The Lao Ministry of...

Police in Laos Search for Notorious Fraudster Phonethip Xaypanya

Police are searching for a Lao fraudster and her husband who fled the country after defrauding a number of people of large sums of...

Lao and Thai Travelers Warned About Cigarette and Alcohol Purchases

Thai and Lao travelers have been reminded by Thai immigration officials that it is illegal to bring vast amounts of cigarettes or alcohol between...

Police Arrest 10 in Vientiane Robbery and Kidnap Case

Ten suspects have been apprehended by police in connection with a robbery last month in which victims were held at gunpoint in Vientiane's Sikhottabong...

Happy Balloons Popular as Party Drug in Laos

Nitrous oxide balloons have emerged as a popular new party drug at entertainment venues in Laos. During a recent National Assembly Session, the new Deputy...

Laos-China Railway Company Fed Up With Trespassers and Domestic Animals

The Laos-China Railway Company has again urged residents to refrain from entering restricted areas or allowing domestic animals to graze in areas near the...