Social

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...

Laos Provinces Show Steady Economic Growth in First Half of 2025

Several provinces across Laos have reported solid economic progress in the first half of 2025, according to recent updates from local government offices. Vientiane Province...

Champasack Bans Wildlife Collection and Trade

Southern Laos’ Champasack Province on 25 July announced a ban on the collection, trading, and raising of wild animals and birds in their natural...

Champasack Province Enforces Fines for Free-Roaming Livestock Starting 1 August

Champasack Province has introduced strict regulations, effective 1 August, to fine individuals who allow their livestock to roam freely on public roads. Accidents involving vehicles...

Laos’ Inflation Eases to 5.3 Percent in July

Laos recorded an inflation rate of 5.3 percent in July, continuing a downward trend from 7.2 percent in June and 8.3 percent in May,...

Gunman Kills Five in Bangkok Market Shooting Before Taking Own Life

A 61-year-old gunman opened fire at a fresh food market in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on 28 July shortly after noon, killing five people and...

Supporting Land Rights Where They Matter Most

SDC - At a community hall shaded by a tin roof and framed by paddy fields, more than two hundred villagers from Ban Nam...