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Rare Earth Ponds Burst in Houaphanh, Villages Halt River Use Pending Inspections

Village authorities along the Nam Vaen and Nam Xam rivers have told residents to stop using river water after two rare earth mining ponds in Houaphanh burst on 1 November and released chemical wastewater into the Nam Vaen River. According to the 3-November notice, residents of Meuangvaen, Nakao, and Nakhoun...

Muddy Nam Song River Raises Public Doubts Over Official Explanation

Vang Vieng’s Nam Song River has been muddy for weeks, but many residents are...

Laos Revokes Import Licences of Six Vehicle Companies

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has revoked the import licences of six vehicle-importing...

Laos Inflation Eases to 7.7 Percent as Electricity Costs Remain High

Laos’ inflation edged down to 7.7 percent in October from 7.8 percent in September,...

Laos to Raise Private Sector Minimum Wage to LAK 3.4 Million from January 2027

Laos will raise the minimum monthly pay for private sector workers to LAK 3.4...

Mascot Controversy Erupts Over Alleged AI Use in Lao Games Design

A design controversy has erupted online following the unveiling of the official mascot for the 12th Lao National Games. The “Peacock” mascot, selected as the...

Inflation Eases to Five Percent in August 2025

Inflation in Laos eased slightly in August 2025, with the annual rate recorded at five percent, down from 5.3 percent in July, according to...

Thailand Revokes Nearly 10,000 Student Visas Amid Crackdown on Misuse

Thai authorities have revoked visas and temporary stay permits for nearly 10,000 foreign students who failed to meet required criteria, targeting widespread misuse of...

Vientiane Cracks Down on Business Violations, Fines Over LAK 338 Million

In the first half of 2025, the Vientiane Capital Department of Industry and Commerce inspected 98 businesses and fined 13 units a total of...

Authorities Seize Illegal Signal Repeaters in Vientiane Capital

The Ministry of Technology and Communications investigated and uncovered the illegal use of foreign-made signal repeaters in Vientiane Capital. According to the Ministry of Technology...

Old French Military Fort in Bokeo Province Recognized as Local Level National Heritage Site

The old French military camp, formerly known as Fort Carnot, in Houayxay District, Bokeo Province, was officially inscribed as a local-level national heritage site...