Officials from the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor convened on 5 January on the establishment of the People’s Prosecutor’s Office within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province. They agreed to report the decision to the government authorities for further consideration and action.
Vietnam Commits to Enhancing Education Ties with Laos, Offers Scholarships

Vietnam is set to award 1200 scholarships to Lao students in 2024, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced during the 6th session of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee.
North Korea Again Fires Near the Sea Border With the South, as Its Leader’s Sister Mocks Seoul

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea again fired artillery shells near its tense sea boundary with the South on Sunday, as the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un mocked the South’s ability to detect its weapons launches.
New Salary Requirements in UK Family Visa Create Hurdles for Lao-British Couples
In a recent announcement, the British Government has set a new salary threshold for foreigners applying for a family visa. This move is sending shockwaves through couples across the world looking to tie the knot with their British partners and embark on a life in the United Kingdom.
South Korea Evacuates Border Islands Yeonpyeong, Baengnyeong as North Korea Fires Into Sea

Residents of two South Korean islands have been ordered to evacuate as North Korea fires more than 200 artillery rounds into the sea near a tensely defended maritime border, according to military officials.
Annual Celebration Marks 21 Years of King Fa Ngum’s Statue
The statue of King Fa Ngum not far from the Mekong River in Vientiane continues to cast its gaze over the land it once ruled. Erected in 2003, the statue celebrated its 21st year on 5 January.
Myanmar’s Military Government Pardons 10,000 Prisoners to Mark Independence Day

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military government on 4 January pardoned nearly 10,000 prisoners to mark the 76th anniversary of gaining independence from Britain, but they apparently included just a small proportion of the thousands of political detainees jailed for opposing army rule.
Social Media Users Call for Boost in Safety Measures Amidst Tourism Growth
Laos was known to be one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, but things seem to have taken a slightly different turn in recent years. With an increasing influx of foreign visitors, a rising concern about the country’s crime rate has emerged, echoing through various voices on social media.