World

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 percent jump from the same period last year, as the country ramps up tourism promotion in Japan. The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism reported that Japanese arrivals have climbed steadily since 2022, rising from 6,848...

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...

Laos Border Checkpoints Report Strong Revenue Growth in First Half of 2026, Exceed Targets

Laos’ international border checkpoints collected strong state budget revenue in the first half of...

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...