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...

5.8 Kg Heroin Seized at Wattay International Airport Adds to 134 Kg Narcotics Seized in May

Lao authorities seized 5.8 kilograms of heroin on 29 May, concealed within aluminum-lined blankets inside two travel bags during a routine inspection that led...

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...

Lao Government Warns Against Surrogacy Amid Rise in Illegal Cases

Lao authorities have issued a strong warning against all forms of surrogacy, stating that anyone involved could face up to 19 years in prison...

Lao Authorities Seize Over 100 Marijuana Packages at Wattay Airport, Three Malaysians Arrested

Lao authorities seized more than 100 packages of marijuana at Wattay International Airport on 27 May, arresting three Malaysian nationals accused of attempting to...

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...

Khammouane Enforces New Rules for Service Businesses

Khammouane Province orders stricter enforcement of safety and ethical regulations across the service industry.  Issued by the Provincial Department of Tourism on 21 May, the...