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 Taxi Scandal: Victim-Blaming, Public Outcry Highlight Gaps in Safety and Legal Protection

A video of a Vientiane woman being sexually harassed by a taxi driver has gone viral, reigniting discussions about safety and accountability in Laos'...

Lao Woman Shot Dead in Thailand Over Love Quarrel

A 42-year-old Lao woman was shot and killed at a karaoke bar in Thailand’s Phatthalung Province, on 11 March at around 9:00 pm. The incident...

Thailand Repatriates Hundreds More Chinese Scam Center Workers

Bangkok, Thailand AFP-Hundreds of Chinese nationals freed from Myanmar online scam centers flew home through Thailand on 6 March, as the kingdom said it aimed...

Laos Set to Strengthen Pilot Training, Improve Aviation Safety

Laos is set to strengthen its aviation sector through expanded pilot training and safety programs.  Under a new agreement with Partners in Aviation and Communications...

Mining License Issuance Suspended Pending Regulation Improvements

The Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines has temporarily suspended the issuance of new mining licenses, effective 28 February, in order to improve the...

Oudomxay Explosion Causes USD 1.1 Million in Damages

An explosion at a Chinese-owned auto parts shop in Namy village, Xay district, Oudomxay Province, on 14 February that claimed the lives of four...