Law and Crime

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 the first half of 2026, leaving behind more than LAK 319.6 billion (USD 14.3 million) in damage, according to new government figures. The Fire Prevention and Suppression Police Department recorded 144 fires nationwide between January and...

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 Raises Tax-Free Income Threshold Under New Personal Income Tax Rules

Laos has officially raised the monthly income exempt from personal income tax from LAK...

Sekong Police Raid Scam Hub, Arrest 101 Foreign Nationals

On 22 June, Sekong provincial authorities arrested 101 foreign nationals after raiding a scam...

Teenage Gangs Spark Public Safety Concerns Across Vientiane

Recent police arrests have renewed public concern over rising youth violence and reckless motorcycle activity in Vientiane Capital. On 17 June, Sisattanak district police arrested...

Teenagers Arrested in Vientiane Robbery Case Allegedly Linked to 200-Member Gang

On 11 June, police in Vientiane Capital arrested seven members of a youth gang following an armed robbery that left a victim injured and...

Laos Helps Return Murder Suspect Wanted in California After Eight Years on the Run

A South Korean man wanted in the United States for two separate murder cases has been returned from Laos to face charges after spending...

Vientiane Police Arrest 82 Suspects Linked to Social Media Scam Network

On 12 June, police in Vientiane dismantled two suspected scam operations in Sikhottabong district, arresting 82 individuals during two coordinated raids on two rental...

Vientiane Police Arrest 19 Suspects in Online Lottery, Shopping Scam

On 26 May, authorities in Vientiane Capital arrested 19 suspects linked to an online fraud through fake scratch lottery sales and fraudulent online shopping...

Luang Namtha Authorities Warn Lao Students in China Against Kratom Involvement

Authorities in Luang Namtha issued a formal warning to all Lao students studying in China, strictly prohibiting them from any involvement with kratom. Laos’ northern...