Laos

Lao business owners decry the shuttering of money-changing shops

Lao business owners decry the shuttering of money-changing shops

The central bank wants greater control of currency in order to fight inflation, kip’s devaluation.

To tame inflation, Laos orders closure of all money changing shops, import limits

To tame inflation, Laos orders closure of all money changing shops, import limits

As inflation rises to nearly 40%, authorities have banned import of some vegetables, eggs, pork, beef

Laos needs more teachers, but budget cuts mean new hires can’t fill gap

Laos needs more teachers, but budget cuts mean new hires can’t fill gap

The number of civil servant jobs has been steadily shrinking amid economic woes.

After 3-year hiatus, Lao Elephant Festival to be held in February

After 3-year hiatus, Lao Elephant Festival to be held in February

The event is meant to stress the traditional ties to animals and highlight their endangered status.

US signs agreement to help Laos fight illegal logging in protected forests

But some say providing arable land to poor families around forests would be better approach.

Just 100 people enter Laos on first day of China border reopening

Just 100 people enter Laos on first day of China border reopening

The country is hoping to see the return of Chinese visitors who once made up 20% of foreign tourists.

Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone addresses the national assembly in the capital Vientiane in this handout screenshot taken from Laos state broadcaster Lao TV on Dec. 30, 2022.

Laos National Assembly approves Cabinet reshuffle

2023-01-31

Three ministers were replaced by officials connected to new prime minister

The Lao government plans to eliminate construction projects (shown) that aren’t profitable.

Lao government seeks to rein in external debt by cutting new projects

2023-01-26

But country needs to crack down on corruption, many Laotians say.

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News from next door

News from next door

Video

Mekong River banks erode at rapid pace

Special report

Giant China, tiny Laos link up with launch of high-speed train

Giant China, tiny Laos link up with launch of high-speed train
As Laos’ new leader takes office, government focuses on tackling surging inflation

As Laos’ new leader takes office, government focuses on tackling surging inflation

Citizens doubt government growth projections amid widespread corruption

Phankham Viphavanh, at the time the prime minister of Laos, arrives to attend the EU-ASEAN Summit at the European Council headquarters in Brussels, Dec. 14, 2022.

Lao prime minister resigns amid soaring inflation, criticism over mining concessions

Sonexay Siphandone is chosen to be the Southeast Asian nation’s new premier.

A Sino Agri International Potash mine and boring machine are seen in Khammouane Province, Laos, July 2021.

Lao villagers arrested for protesting potash mine, later released

Burmese protesters raise the three-finger salute during a demonstration outside the Embassy of Myanmar in Bangkok, Dec. 19, 2022 to voice opposition to the Myanmar military junta.

Myanmar’s NUG, analysts criticize Thailand for hosting junta foreign minister

A crane stands over construction work on a bridge crossing the Mekong River on the future site of the Luang Prabang Dam in in Chomphet district, Luang Prabang province, Laos, December 2021.

Preliminary construction underway on Luang Prabang Dam, minus key steps

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