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...

World Drug Day: Laos Steps Up Fight Against Drug Abuse, Trafficking

Each year on 26 June, the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.  The day,...

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...

Lao National Arrested in Major Methamphetamine Bust in Thailand

A 25-year-old Lao national was arrested in Thailand on 13 June in connection with the seizure of over 5.48 million methamphetamine pills, in what...