Regional

More Lao Citizens Live Abroad as Foreign Population Nearly Doubles

The number of foreign nationals living in Laos has nearly doubled over the past decade, led by a sharp increase in Chinese residents, even as hundreds of thousands of Lao citizens live abroad. Laos recorded 79,827 foreign residents in its 2025 census, up from 45,538 in 2015. The census also...

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...

Timor-Leste Moves to Join Cluster Munition Ban at Vientiane Conference

Timor-Leste has taken a formal step toward joining the Convention on Cluster Munitions, signing...

Seven-Year-Old Becomes Laos’ Youngest Internationally Rated Chess Player

Seven-year-old Bounthiengtham “Jayson” Sengphachan has already done something no Lao chess player his age...

Thailand’s HIV Cases Pass 550,000, Laos Reports Rising Infections Among Young People

Thailand has recorded 557,993 cumulative HIV cases, health authorities say, even as new infections...

People Jump Into the Sea to Escape Raging Ferry Fire in Gulf of Thailand. All 108 on Board Are Safe

BANGKOK (AP) — Panicked passengers jumped into the sea to escape a raging ferry fire in the Gulf of Thailand early Thursday, and all...

Southeast Asian Countries Consider Ways to Boost ‘Green Financing’ as Region Chokes on Smog

LUANG PRABANG, Laos (AP) — Senior finance and central bank officials from Southeast Asia and major economies met Thursday, 4 April in the scenic...

Top Diplomats from Laos, Timor-Leste, Vietnam Visit Beijing to Strengthen Ties

In a move aimed at bolstering bilateral relations, China is hosting a series of high-profile meetings with Southeast Asian foreign ministers, underlining its efforts...

Laos Faces Uphill Battle Against Wildlife Hunting, Expert Urges Action

Wildlife hunting remains a significant challenge in Laos, despite ongoing efforts by the Lao government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). According to a wildlife expert, who...

Airports of Thailand Implements Passenger Service Charge Increase, Efficiency Boost

The Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced an increase in its passenger service charge (PSC) effective 1 April. For international passengers, the charge rose from...

Thailand, Laos, China in Talks for New Aviation Routes to Handle Surge in Flights

New aviation routes are under discussion between Thailand, China, and Laos to alleviate air traffic congestion. In response to an anticipated surge of 100,000 additional...