World

Lao Migrant Workers Send Home USD 500 Million in First Seven Months of 2026

Lao migrant workers sent an estimated USD 500.7 million back to Laos during the first seven months of 2026, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.  The ministry shared the figures during a labor migration meeting in Vientiane on 22 September. Employment Department Director General Anousone Khamsingsavath said...

Vietnam Emerges as Laos’ Second-Largest Foreign Investor with USD 8 Billion in Projects

Vietnam has become Laos's second-largest foreign investor, with more than 400 projects worth a...

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

Laos and China have launched a new digital payment link that allows Chinese visitors...

Miss Universe Dispute Leaves Six Southeast Asian Franchises in Limbo

The Miss Universe Organization is facing a major dispute just weeks before its 75th...

Laos, Thailand Move Forward With Plans for New Friendship Bridge Linking Vientiane, Loei

Laos and Thailand are studying a possible new Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane Province with...

Australia Scraps Agricultural Visa Scheme for Lao Workers

The Australian government has discontinued a policy to allow foreign workers, including those from Laos, to work in Australia under agricultural programs. Mr. Paul Kelly,...

Southeast Asian Central Banks to Connect Payment Systems via QR Code

Central banks in Southeast Asia hope to link payment systems across the region this year using QR code technology. Perry Warjiyo, Governor of the Bank...

Thailand to Charge New Tourism Entry Fee to All Arrivals

A proposed tourism fee of THB 300 to be charged directly to arrivals in Thailand is back on the table, according to the country's...

Russia to Deepen Defense Cooperation with Myanmar

Russia and Myanmar are to strengthen their defense cooperation following a meeting in Moscow between Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, and top Russian...

Representatives from Laos Attend Sydney Energy Forum

Laos has sent representatives from the energy sector to participate in the Sydney Energy Forum, held in Sydney, Australia from 12 to 13 July.  Indo-Pacific...

US Secretary of State Calls ASEAN to Firmer Stance on Myanmar

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members in Bangkok to request that they hold Myanmar's junta...