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Laos Halts New Work Permits, Labor Visas for Bangladeshi Nationals Through 2026

Laos has suspended the approval of new work permits, labor import plans and labor projects for Bangladeshi nationals nationwide from 1 September through the end of 2026, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare announced. In a directive issued on 9 September, the ministry said the measure aims to curb...

Laos Prepares For ASEAN Para Games With 12-Sport Bid

Laos is preparing to compete in 12 sports at the 14th ASEAN Para Games...

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....

Thailand Warns Against Hiring Migrant Workers as Lao Workers Continue to Face Illegal Work, Trafficking Risks

Thailand has warned employers against hiring migrant workers without valid permits or assigning them...

Flooding Disrupts Flights to Luang Namtha, Oudomxay Also Reports Flooding

Lao Airlines has suspended flights between Vientiane and Luang Namtha after after rising waters...

China to Tax Condoms After Three Decades in Demographic Policy Shift

After three decades of tax-free status, condoms in China will soon be subject to VAT under a new policy aimed at countering the country’s...

Over 1,600 New HIV Cases Reported in Laos in First Nine Months of 2025

HIV continues its steady, often unseen spread across Laos, where 1,617 people were newly infected in the first nine months of 2025.  Despite years of...

Laos, Singapore Agree to Expand Labor Cooperation for Lao Workers

Laos and Singapore have agreed to expand labor cooperation, creating new employment opportunities for Lao workers in Singapore’s labor market. The agreement follows an official...

Young Lao Push for Change 50 Years After Party Victory

By Beatrice Siviero/AFP - The Lao capital Vientiane has an uncharacteristic buzz lately, bedecked with flags and T-shirt vendors ahead of commemorations of 50...

Thais Navigate Flooded Homes, Ancient Temples by Boat

By Watsamon TRI-YASAKDA/AFP - For three months, Thai retiree Somkid Kijniyom has been sleeping in a small boat surviving on dry food handouts in...

Run for Children 2025: Over 3,000 Runners Unite for Lao Kids

The Run for Children 2025, held on 25 October, brought together more than 3,000 runners from Laos and around the world.  Participants raced through the...