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...

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...