World

Laos Collects USD 12 Million in Digital Taxes From Global Tech Companies

Laos has collected approximately USD 12 million in digital taxes from global technology companies since introducing its digital tax system in late 2024, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane. The tax applies to foreign digital service providers without a physical presence in Laos, including Microsoft,...

China Reservoir Collapse Comes as Laos Prepares for Rising Rivers and Flood Risks

Floods in southern China have killed two people and forced nearly 48,000 residents to...

Myanmar’s Leader Wraps First ASEAN Visit in Laos, Signs Mekong Dam Study

Myanmar's recently elected President, Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in the 2021 military...

Vietnam, Philippines Reach Upper-Middle-Income Status as Laos Eyes 2035 Target

Vietnam and the Philippines have been reclassified as upper-middle-income economies by the World Bank,...

Laos, South Korea Sign USD 1.1 Million in Agriculture Deals

Laos and South Korea have sealed two new agriculture deals worth more than USD...

Laos, North Korea Move to Deepen Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors

Laos and North Korea have agreed to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, reflecting a shared goal of strengthening their long-standing relationship through increased exchanges...

Thailand to End Tax Exemption on Low-Value Online Imports from January 2026

Thailand is set to eliminate its tax exemption for low-value online purchases starting January 2026, imposing import duties and a 7 percent value-added tax...

Lao Government Keeps Majority in Lao Airlines as COMAC Takes 49% Stake

On 10 November, the Lao government confirmed an agreement with the Chinese state-owned aircraft manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). Under the deal,...

Japan Plans to Raise Visa Fees from 2026 Amid Overtourism Concerns

Japan plans to raise its visa issuance fees for foreign visitors starting in the 2026 fiscal year, as the country faces an unprecedented tourism...

Thailand Says ‘Hostilities’ Remain Despite Cambodia Peace Pact

By Montira RUNGJIRAJITTRANON/AFP - Thailand's army said on 11 November, "hostilities still remain" with Cambodia, a day after Bangkok suspended the implementation of a...

Lao Man in Colorado Remains in ICE Custody Months After Requesting Deportation

Keooudone “Don” Phetchamphone, a 56-year-old Lao man in Colorado, remains in immigration detention months after requesting to return to Laos, highlighting delays in the...