Law and Crime

Laos Arrests More Than 550 in August Scam Crackdown

Laos has detained more than 550 people in raids targeting online scams and illegal gambling operations so far in August, as authorities step up a nationwide crackdown that has now netted more than 1,100 suspects since mid-July. The latest figures come after a series of raids across Vientiane Capital and...

Laos Seizes Nearly 1.8 Tonnes of Suspected Ivory, Black Panther Remains in Bolikhamxay Raid

On 16 August, Lao authorities detained 11 foreign nationals in connection with a wildlife...

Vientiane Authorities Detain Nearly 400 in Cybercrime Raids in Early-to-Mid August

Vientiane authorities have detained nearly 400 suspects in three separate raids since the start...

Laos Authorities Arrest Four in Alleged Marriage Trafficking Network

On 23 July, Lao authorities arrested four people suspected of operating a human trafficking...

Police Detain 261 Foreign Nationals in Thatluang Lake SEZ Scam Raid

On 8 August, Vientiane police raided a telecommunications fraud and online gambling operation at...

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...

Laos Grapples with Extreme Weather Events, Fires in 2023, Causing USD 53.5 Million Damage

Laos faced a tough year in 2023 as it battled through 76 extreme weather events and fires that caused severe damage across the country....

Vientiane Residents Rush to Update Vehicle Registration Plates

In response to Vientian’s recent announcement regarding the city’s registration plates, changing vehicle number plates from Vientiane Municipality to Vientiane Capital, effective on 1...

Illegal Use of Kratom Persists in Laos Amidst Debate Over Legality vs Medicinal Benefits

Despite an official ban on Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a tree native to Southeast Asia, contains mitragynine, a chemical similar to opioids like morphine in...

Lao Woman Rescued from Alleged Captivity in Thailand

Udon Thani Provincial Police Station in Thailand executed a rescue operation on 3 March, liberating an 18-year-old Lao woman, Praewa, from a house in...