BANGKOK (AP) — A court of appeals in Thailand has handed a political activist a record sentence for the criminal offense of insulting the monarchy, giving him a 50-year prison term after finding him guilty of 25 violations of the law, a lawyers’ group said Thursday.
ASEAN Nears 35 Percent Renewable Energy Target
Solar and wind energy capacity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region witnessed a 20 percent increase in 2023, reaching a total of over 28 gigawatts (GW).
Australian Media Names Laos the Top Budget-Friendly Paradise
An Australian media outlet picked Laos as one of the “best places to visit” this year, complimenting the country’s authentically laid-back attitude and low-cost lifestyle.
Government Cracks Down on Corruption, Grants Amnesty in Commitment to Social Justice
Savannakhet authorities disciplined 69 officials through expulsion and dismissal over corruption allegations, while the Lao government granted amnesty to more than 1,800 prisoners. These two parallel initiatives highlight the government’s efforts to uphold integrity within its ranks and foster a climate of social justice.
UXO Remain Threat to Rural Life in Laos, Injures Five While Cooking
Latest update on 18 January at 11:30 am
Five individuals were seriously injured while igniting a fire under their house in Viengxay village, located in the Phouvong district of Attapeu Province, Laos. The cause of the incident was identified as unexploded ordnances (UXOs) left over from the intense bombing campaign conducted by the United States in Laos between 1964 and 1973.
Laos Enhances Business Infrastructure With Streamlined Approval Process

In a move to foster a more conducive business investment environment, the Lao government has approved a new regulation set to slash the registration time for new businesses from 10 to three days.
Laos Government Imposes Higher Fines to Curb Unlawful Mining Practices
In a move to penalize mining companies that carry out unlawful practices, the government has issued fines of over a billion kip to ensure legitimate mining activities among mining operations.
Thai Officials, Accused of Coddling Jailed Ex-pm, Say Not Calling Him ‘Inmate’ Is Standard Practice

BANGKOK (AP) — Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is serving a prison sentence after being convicted of wrongdoing in office, but he shouldn’t be called an inmate, the country’s Correction Department declared Tuesday.