Regional

Thai Rockstar Sek Loso Released on Parole

On 24 June, Thai rock musician Seksan “Sek” Sukpimay, known as Sek Loso, walked free from prison in Phetchaburi province after authorities granted him temporary parole.  The 52-year-old founder and lead singer of Loso, one of Thailand’s most successful rock bands, has long drawn attention for his colorful personal life.  Police...

Laos, Cambodia Launch New Trade Route to China for Fruits, Crops

On 22 June, Laos and Cambodia launched coordinated export and transit procedures for plants...

Laos, China Approve Seven New Development Projects Worth USD 3.31 Million

Laos has secured seven new development projects worth USD3.31 million under the Mekong–Lancang Special...

Lao Deputy PM Holds Talks in Myanmar to Deepen Bilateral Ties

Laos and Myanmar are moving to expand bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors following an...

Vietnam Rolls Out Digital Pre-Arrival System

Vietnam has launched the Pre-Arrival Information (PAI) system, replacing the paper arrival card that...

Thailand to Raise International Departure Tax by 53 Percent from 20 June

Thailand is set to increase the international departure Passenger Service Charge from 20 June.  The move will be implemented across six major airports, which include...

North Korea Opens Party Congress After Kim Unveils Nuclear-Capable Rocket System

North Korea has opened the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang, marking its most significant political meeting in five...

Seven New Ambassadors Present Credentials to Lao President

On 17 February, President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith received letters of credence from seven newly appointed foreign ambassadors. The ambassadors represent Thailand, Finland, Egypt, Georgia,...

Drug Crimes Lead 2025 Crime Statistics Despite Overall Decline

Drug-related offences remained the most common crime in Laos in 2025, with authorities recording 3,660 cases nationwide, according to the Ministry of Public Security. Police...

Agricultural Exports via First Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge Top USD 9.7 Million in January

Agricultural exports moving through the First Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai–Vientiane) exceeded USD 9.7 million in January, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and...

January Trade Surplus Marks Sharp Rebound from Year-Earlier Deficit

Laos began 2026 on stronger footing, with exports rising to USD 886.7 million in January, up 36 percent from the same month last year....