Law and Crime

Laos Seizes Major Drug Hauls, Arrests Over 4,000 in Six Months

Laos arrested 4,025 suspects in connection with 1,786 drug cases during the first six months of 2026 as authorities intensified a nationwide crackdown on narcotics, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone told the National Assembly on 6 July. Laos has been stepping up in its anti-drug campaigns by targeting both domestic drug...

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...

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...

Indian Youths Duped into Scams in Laos After Promised High-Paying Jobs in Thailand

Approximately 25 to 30 young Indians fell prey to a scam promising high-paying jobs in Thailand, only to find themselves coerced into illegal work...

Vehicle Gift from Vietnam to Laos Raises Eyebrows Amid Taxi Legal Woes

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security recently donated 50 vehicles to Laos to support the country’s role as the 2024 ASEAN chair, aiming to enhance...

Laos Records 630 Road Accidents in February, with 101 Deaths

Laos saw a decrease in road accidents, with a total of 630 incidents recorded in February, marking a drop of 143 compared to the...

Thailand Busts Sex Trade Syndicate: Cambodian Woman, Four Lao Women Apprehended

Thailand's Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) apprehended a 36-year-old Cambodian woman, identified as Sofia, on 15 March for allegedly luring four Lao women (aged...

Savannakhet Province Faces Backlash Over Sudden Ban on Coal Production, Use

Savannakhet Province's recent decision to halt all activities related to coal production and use stirred controversy and discontent among residents, particularly those in rural...

Vientiane Authorities Propose Shutdown of Two Taxi Apps Over Regulatory Concern

The Department of Public Works and Transport in Vientiane Capital has recommended to the government the closure of popular taxi applications, In-Drive and Sam...