Politics

Laos, China Launch Digital Payment Link For Cross-Border Transactions

Laos and China have launched a new digital payment link that allows Chinese visitors to pay Lao businesses using China’s digital yuan, without needing to exchange cash into Lao kip. The system connects China’s digital yuan, known as e-CNY, with Laos’ domestic QR payment network. A Chinese visitor can now...

Timor-Leste Moves to Join Cluster Munition Ban at Vientiane Conference

Timor-Leste has taken a formal step toward joining the Convention on Cluster Munitions, signing...

Laos Warns of Lasting Toll at Vientiane Meeting as Cluster Munition Use Rises Worldwide

Laos is hosting the Convention on Cluster Munitions’ Third Review Conference 16 years after...

Vientiane Court Hands Life Sentences to Former Bank Employees in Major Corruption Cases

A court in Vientiane gave life sentences to several former bank employees for corruption....

Laos, Kazakhstan Seek New Railway Links to Expand Trade

Laos and Kazakhstan are exploring new railway and logistics links that could open a...

EU Rejects Myanmar’s Diplomatic Role and Says It Still Doesn’t Recognize Generals

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The European Union’s top diplomat on Thursday expressed opposition to Myanmar’s upcoming role as the overseer of relations between the...

Thailand’s Move Forward Party Leader Pita Falls Short in Parliamentary Vote for Prime Minister

BANGKOK (AP) — The leader of the progressive Thai political party that outpaced its rivals to a surprise first-place finish in May’s general election...

Korean Boxing Organizations Extend Support to Lao Athletes

Two Korean boxing organizations are providing assistance to Lao athletes to support their participation in regional and international competitions from 2023 to 2024. Korea...

Shortage of Teachers Threatens Closure of 25 Schools in Savannakhet

A dire shortage of teachers in Savannakhet province could lead to the closure of 25 schools next academic year, said a National Assembly (NA)...

Thailand’s Parliament Set to Choose Prime Minister, but it Might Not Be Election Winner

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai lawmakers are gathering Thursday to select a new prime minister, a process whose outcome is far from certain even though the...

Former U.S. Ambassadors to Laos Urge Biden to Revoke Cluster Munitions Support for Ukraine

Six former U.S. ambassadors to Laos sent an open letter on Wednesday to U.S. President Joe Biden expressing concern and disappointment on the country's...