World

US Court Strikes Down 75-Country Visa Pause, but Ruling Does Not Lift Laos Travel Ban

A US federal judge has struck down a Trump administration policy that paused immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Laos. The ruling, issued on 21 August by US District Judge Jeannette Vargas in Manhattan, found that the State Department had exceeded its legal authority by stopping consular...

Japanese Arrivals to Laos Jump 36 Percent Amid Renewed Tokyo Tourism Push

Laos welcomed 23,133 Japanese tourists in the first six months of 2026, a 36...

Prime Minister Calls for Tighter Oversight of Boten SEZ Amid Development Challenges

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for stronger management of the Boten Special Economic...

Laos-China Railway Trade Surges as Cross-Border Freight Hits New Highs

Trade along the Laos-China Railway continued to grow sharply in the first half of...

Van Crash in Thailand Kills Two Lao Nationals, Injuries 12

A passenger van carrying 14 Lao nationals crashed and caught fire in Thailand's Roi...

Thailand Pushes for Paid Menstrual Leave, Better Workplace Welfare for Women

Thailand is encouraging employers to grant up to three days of paid menstrual leave per month to female employees, as part of a broader...

Laos Economy Shows Signs of Recovery Amid Fiscal Pressures

Laos’ economy is showing signs of recovery amidst a debt repayment peak, persistent inflation, and structural challenges, the World Bank warns in its latest...

Bangkok Ranked Among Most Fraudulent Cities for Car Services

Bangkok has been named one of the world’s four most fraudulent cities for car-related services, including taxis, tuk-tuks, and rental vehicles. According to a report...

Bangkok Gears Up for Pride Parade at Bangkok Pride Festival 2025

Bangkok is set to host the three-day Bangkok Pride Festival 2025 from 30 May to 1 June, transforming Rama I Road into what organizers...

Southeast Asian Leaders Meet to Talk Tariffs, Truce, East Timor

AFP, Isabelle LEONG and Jan HENNOP - Southeast Asian leaders meet Monday for their first summit since Donald Trump's tariff policies upended global economic...

Laos, Thailand Partner to Boost Buddhist Education for Monks

Laos and Thailand have signed a new agreement to enhance Buddhist education for Lao monks through scholarships, academic exchanges, and institutional support. On 21 May,...