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 Urged to Improve Enforcement on New Tobacco Packaging Rules

The ASEAN Tobacco Control Association (SEATCA) has called on tobacco companies in Laos to follow new rules requiring graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging,...

Bolikhamxay Confronts Rising Student Drug Abuse Crisis

Bolikhamxay Province is grappling with a growing crisis of drug use among students, with authorities reporting alarming trends and new drug forms gaining popularity,...

Fighting Corruption: Laos Recovers Millions in 2024

Corruption continues to pose a significant challenge in Laos, with total losses amounting USD 32.1 million in 2024, according to the State Inspection and...

Lao Government Bans ‘Tiger’ Vodka, Whiskey in Vang Vieng After Methanol Deaths

The Lao government has issued a ban on the sale of ‘Tiger Vodka’ and ‘Tiger Whiskey’ in all restaurants, grocery stores, and bars in...

Thai Authorities Discover 85 Bodies Allegedly Linked to Controversial Monk-Led Cult

Thai authorities have uncovered 85 human bodies at three locations in Thailand’s Phichit and Kamphaeng Phet provinces. The bodies are allegedly linked to a monk-led...

Eight Detained in Laos Over Tourist Deaths Linked to Methanol Poisoning at Vang Vieng Hostel

On 25 November, the Vang Vieng police arrested eight individuals allegedly linked to the deaths of foreign tourists at Nana Backpackers Hostel. The detained individuals,...