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...

Bokeo Tightens Control on Online Gaming Firms to Curb Cyber Fraud

The Management Board Committee for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has instructed online game operators within the Gold Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to consolidate...

Children Most Frequent Victims of UXO in Laos, National Authorities Say

Children are the most affected by unexploded ordnance (UXO) accidents across Laos, national authorities reported.  According to the National Regulatory Authority for Unexploded Ordnance, more...

Vientiane Seizes Millions in Drugs in First Nine Months of 2024

During the first nine months of 2024, authorities in Vientiane Capital confiscated a total of 15.5 million narcotics pills and arrested 1,273 criminals, with...

Vietnam, Laos Strengthen Security Ties with Joint Exercise, New Military Camp

Vietnam and Laos have reinforced their defense cooperation with a joint exercise focused on cross-border drug crimes and the construction of a new military...

Thai Authorities Cut Illegal Internet Cables Across Thai-Lao Border

Thai authorities have discovered and severed illegal internet cables running from Thailand’s Mukdahan Province across the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge into Laos, Thai media...

Formalin Detected in Food Products in Champasack

On 9 October, authorities in Champasack Province discovered the presence of formalin in food products following an inspection conducted by the Department of Industry...