Finance Ministry Orders Vehicle Owners to Pay Road Tax Before September
Individuals, legal entities and organisations that own or use any kind of vehicle must pay the road tax for 2023 before September.
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Rules and Law
Justice Ministry Launch Project to Strengthen the Role of Lawyers in Laos
The government and its development partners launched a “Strengthening the Role of Lawyers in Advancing the Rule of Law and Access to Justice in Laos”
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How To Register A Business: Laos Goes Online To Ease Start-Up Process
The steps needed to register a new business have now been posted online to ease business start-up, which will save time and simplify the process.
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Police Tackle Human Trafficking In Bokeo
The current situation in Laos mostly involves people being tricked into forced labour, forcing them to provide sexual services, hiring pregnant women, and the live broadcasting of male and female nudity and sex on social media
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Vientiane Police Crack Down On Crimes
Police in districts of the capital are cracking down on crimes and have been able to solve many cases in the first six months of the year.
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Handsfree Only: New Penalties For Using A Mobile Phone While Driving In Thailand
Those caught using their mobile phones without a hands-free set-up are subject to a fine from 400 to 1,000 baht
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Laos Put On Edge By Two Recent Brutal Killings Of Chinese Nationals
Authorities said the killings were likely related to business dealings gone sour
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Most Traffic Accidents In September Caused By Drunk Driving And Speeding
Police said most accidents occurred when people drove in the wrong lane or changed direction suddenly.
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Some 700 Malaysians Trapped In Laos After Answering Casino Job Ads
Some 700 Malaysians are reportedly being held captive in Bokeo province, Laos and have been abused by the resort managers who are allegedly demanding a large ransom for their release
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Police In Laos Seize Meth Pills In Major Drug Bust
The truck was stopped near the Kings Roman Casino, which is located in a special economic zone of Laos that operates virtually autonomously of national law.
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Police Seize Almost 600,000 Amphetamine Pills In House Raid
Chanthabouly district police have uncovered a major drug ring in the capital and confiscated nearly 600,000 amphetamine tablets as well as equipment used to produce the pills.
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PM: Embezzlement, Lax Management Key To Losses By State Enterprises
Embezzlement by executives and staff, combined with poor management, are the main reasons for the chronic losses suffered by state enterprises, the Prime Minister has told the National Assembly (NA).
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Lao Govt Proposes Law On Weapons Management
As connectivity to countries in the region and further afield expands, drug gangs are proliferating and buying weapons and explosives illegally, both across Laos and online.
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Lao Authorities Rescue Nearly 500 Workers From Golden Triangle SEZ
Many of the workers are human-trafficking victims lured to the Chinese-run special economic zone for jobs.
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Gunmen Fire At Cars On China-Backed Lao Expressway
Three people were injured in the shooting, including 1 who remains in a coma.
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Asia’s Synthetic Drug Trade Booms, With Record Meth Seizures
Laos registered a more than a 660% jump in interceptions of meth tablets in 2021
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Armed Robbers Attack Woman In Sikhottabong, Vientiane
The use of guns to commit crimes in Vientiane is becoming increasingly common, with most incidents occurring at night.
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Man Stabbed To Death In Luang Prabang
The rising murder rate in Laos is a cause of concern and is attributed in part to growing drug use and gambling.
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Police Seize Over 3 Million Amphetamine Tablets In Roadside Drug Bust
Police in Vientiane province found 3,398,000 amphetamine tablets and 25kg of crystal methamphetamine when they stopped and searched a pick-up truck being driven by two women.
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Police Issue List Of Items Banned On Trains
The Railway Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security has issued a list of items that passengers are banned from taking into stations and on trains, as part of overall security measures.
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Road Traffic Accidents Remain Large Killer Of Young People
Road accidents are among the single most common cause of death among people aged 5-29, a senior official has said.
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Commerce Ministry Encourages Copyright Registration
Source: Vientiane Times All commodities produced in Laos will have copyright protection under the Property Law after it has been
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Road Accidents Claim 831 Lives In 2021
A total of 831 people died in road accidents across the country in 2021, with the cost of the damage to vehicles estimated at over 92 billion kip.
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Laos Adopts New Measure To Combat Corruption: Party Expulsion
Officials dismiss nine government employees who embezzled funds in Bokeo province.
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Speeding, Drunk Driving Common Among Vientiane Drivers
Almost three-quarters of drivers in Vientiane routinely break speed limits and nearly a third of people driving in the evening have been drinking alcohol
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Asia Foundation, Supreme Court Partner To Strengthen Legal Aid
The Foundation’s support aims to promote the rule of law through fairer, more consistent, and more transparent delivery of justice.
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Tackle Inappropriate Land Occupation, Lack Of Compensation: Lao Front
The Lao Front for National Development has told the National Assembly (NA) to push the government to address inappropriate occupation of land and the lack of compensation given to people affected by development projects.
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Laos Makes Asia’s Largest Ever Drug Bust
Police in Laos have made the biggest single drug seizure ever recorded in Asia
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Three Die, 20 Injured In Road Accidents During Lockdown
Traffic accidents that occurred during the recent 15 days of lockdown in Vientiane resulted in three fatalities and injury to 20 people.
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Man Injured In Vientiane Shooting
A man was shot and injured in Xiengda village, Xaysettha district, while riding his motorbike at 6.30pm on Monday, although the reason for the shooting is unknown
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Govt Targets Errant Motorists With Tough New Fines
The government has strengthened the traffic regulations by imposing heavy fines for violators, with fines for drunk driving now ranging from 150,000 to 1,500,000 kip depending on the type of vehicle.
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Luang Prabang Police Intercept Transport Of Over 3 million Amphetamine Tabs
Luang Prabang provincial police on Monday arrested three men as they were driving vehicles loaded with a huge stash of more than 3 million amphetamine pills.
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Police Detain 32 People For Breaking Lockdown Rules
A team of commando police have detained 32 youngsters after they were found drinking and taking drugs at a hotel in Phonsinuan village, Sisattanak district, Vientiane, in blatant violation of the lockdown rules.
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Multiple-Entry Visas Offered To People Of Lao Descent Living Abroad
The government has promulgated a new regulation that offers multiple-entry visas with longer stays for people of Lao origin those who hold another crtizenship and are residents in other countries.
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World Bank To Support Land Administration, Titling In Lao PDR
Land holders across Lao PDR, including some of the most vulnerable households, are expected to benefit from improved land administration and titling thanks to a project approved by the World Bank this week.
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Govt To Regulate Illegal Lotteries
Lotteries based in foreign countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, China and even the Republic of Korea have been sold illegally in Laos, even though Laos has its own legal lottery.
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Govt Spells Out Plans To Tackle Drug Problem
The government is acting with great determination to curb the use of and trade in drugs across Laos, amid the spiralling trafficking of narcotics.
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Laos Issues E-commerce Regulations
Laos is making strides toward providing clear legal guidance for e-commerce operations by issuing legal measures to facilitate the regulation of online business activities.
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Vientiane Police Crack Down On Gun Trade
The illegal online trade in firearms is partly responsible for the increase in the number of robberies and murders taking place in Vientiane, police say, while officers are cracking down on the trade.
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Vientiane Court Sentences Covid Spreaders To Jail
Vientiane People’s Court on Thursday handed down prison sentences to six people after finding them guilty of spreading Covid-19, facilitating illegal entry and exit from Laos, and deliberately concealing the movements of foreigners who entered Laos illegally.
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Vientiane Police Net Huge Drug Haul
Police discovered almost 17 million amphetamine tablets when they stopped a truck on the 450 Road in Xaythany district, Vientiane, on Tuesday.
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Police Make Breakthrough In Motorbike Theft
Vientiane police arrested a group of young men after they allegedly stole numerous motorbikes, tracking them down to a guesthouse in Xaymoungkhoun village, and confiscated nine bikes found in their possession.
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Oudomxay Police Seize 1 million Amphetamine Pills
Oudomxay provincial police last week arrested a couple after stopping their vehicle and discovering more than 1 million amphetamine pills and 48 bags of drug precursor chemicals weighing 1,200kg.
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Police Nab Man For Fake News Post
Police detained a 23-year-old man after he posted a clip on social media which falsely implied there had been a plane crash in Luang Prabang province.
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Harsher Penalties Demanded For Officers Involved In Drug Offences
Party and government leaders have demanded that state officers involved in the abuse of narcotic drugs should be subject to harsher penalties than ordinary citizens a move seen as setting officers as an example.
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Police Issue 15 Ban Rules, Prohibit Drunk Driving Over Lao New Year
The General Police Department recently issued 15 banning rules in regards to the celebration of Lao New Year during April 14-16
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Audit And Compliance In Laos: A Guide For Foreign Investors
The Enterprise law and the Law on Independent Audit are the main laws that establish audit requirements in Laos.
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Laos Introduces Corporate Criminal Liability
Not only natural persons (individuals) but also legal persons, such as companies, NGOs, associations, and foundations operating in the Lao PDR, now face criminal liability under new legislation enacted by the government aimed at strengthening the rule of law in the country.
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Up To Eight Killed Or Injured In Blast At Lao-Vietnam Border Checkpoint
Source: RFA Up to eight people were killed or injured in a blast at a checkpoint on the Laos-Vietnam border
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Stakeholders Discuss Establishment Of Consumer Protection Association
Stakeholders from the public and private sectors as well as civil society met in Vientiane to discuss and exchange views on the establishment of a consumer protection association.
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New Initiative Launched To Address Cyberbullies
Lao authorities have established a new mechanism to address cyberbullying as increasing numbers of people are using social media as a tool to defame others online
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Migrants From Neighboring Countries Sneak Into Laos, Sparking COVID Fears
Migrants from China, Myanmar, and Vietnam are increasingly entering Laos by boat and through lightly-guarded border crossings, avoiding more heavily inspected international checkpoints
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Foreigners Permitted To Purchase Limited Ownership Of Land-Use Rights – Amended Lao Land Law
Today sees the entry into force of the new Law on Land No. 70/NA dated 21 June 2019 (the “2019 Land Law”), which among other things, includes new provisions concerning the limited ownership of land-use rights by foreigners under certain circumstances, and the limited ownership of individual units in a condominium or apartment building.
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13 Vietnamese Caught Sneaking Into Laos
Border guards in central Vietnam are investigating 13 people who paid a smuggling ring to help them enter Laos, and later Thailand, to find jobs.
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Thailand Appeal Court Upholds Life Sentence For Lao Drug Kingpin Mr. X
Thailand’s Appeal Court has upheld a life sentence for Lao drug kingpin Xaysana Keophimpha, better known as Mr. X
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Ministry To Increase CCTV Camera Coverage In City
The Ministry of Public Security will increase the coverage of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the capital, with an aim to improve surveillance, monitor crimes better, and help police deal with anti-social elements.
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Laos Reports 75 Deaths From Road Accidents In July
A total of 75 people were killed in 518 road accidents in Laos during July
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Laos: Decision On Trademark Registration Process
The Decision brings clarity to certain important provisions of the Amended Law on Intellectual Property No. 38/NA, published in May 2018.
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Phone Users Need To Re-Register SIM Cards
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has issued a notice urging phone users to re-register phone and internet SIM cards from Jul 1, 2020.
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Police Targeting Hit-And-Run Drivers In The Capital
So far this year three drivers involved hit-and-runs have been arrested in the capital with the accidents resulting in three fatalities
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New Decree Promotes Unity Among Ethnic Groups
The government has promulgated a prime ministerial decree designed to promote unity among the nation’s diverse ethnic groups.
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Lao Employment Law During The COVID-19 Pandemic
We address the human resources challenges facing employers in Laos and answer the challenging questions relating to the workplace within Laos’ labour law framework and COVID-19-specific regulations and guidance
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Laos Can Expect Higher Rate Of Drug Inflow From Golden Triangle: UNODC
UNODC warns that the synthetic drug market in East and Southeast Asia is continuing to expand and diversify
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Xaysettha Revokes Ruling On Temporary Village Membership Fee
Authorities in Xaysettha district, Vientiane, have revoked a notice they had issued following complaints from local residents about the plan to charge a fee for the provision of a temporary certificate of village membership.
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Foreigners Can Apply For Lao Stay Extensions
Foreigners who cannot leave Laos at this time, because all borders are closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, can request extensions on their stay.
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Chinese Allegedly Run Illegal Car Rental and Taxi Businesses in Laos
Chinese entrepreneurs in Laos’ capital Vientiane are allegedly importing vehicles from China illegally for car rental and taxi businesses, much to the ire of their Lao competitors
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Pay Road Tax Or Get Stopped At The Border
Vehicle owners who have not paid road tax will not be permitted to cross the border into other countries
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Laos Cracks Down on Ivory, Rhino Horn Sales in Luang Prabang
Authorities in the Luang Prabang province of northern Laos have stepped up controls over the sale of ivory, rhinoceros horn, and other illegal wildlife products
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Public Warned Over Fake Foreign Scholarships
The Ministry of Education and Sports has warned parents not to believe the content of an online site that promises to help students get a government scholarship to study in China.
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Zipline Failure Kills Korean Tourist
Travel professionals called on the Lao government to introduce stricter regulations after a Korean tourist died and two other tourists suffered injuries when a Zipline collapsed at this popular riverside tourist town in Laos.
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Suspect Confesses To Breaking Anti-Lao PDR Propaganda Law
Champassak police reported on Tuesday that a suspect accused of spreading misinformation on Facebook Live about the government’s recent flood relief efforts in southern provinces has confessed to her crime.
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Lao’s First Digital Forensics Lab Opens
The first digital forensics laboratory in Laos opened at the General Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security.
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Police Pursue Killer Of Khammuan Prosecutor
Khammuan police are searching for the gunman responsible for the murder of a prosecutor, who died in a hail of bullets as he was driving to work in Thakhaek district, Khammuan province
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World Could See Many Water Conflicts In Coming Years
If climate change trends continue and if population continues to increase, water conflicts will probably be an aspect of our future.
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Lease Agreements in Laos: Tips & Hints
How can parties to a lease agreement protect their interest, anticipate issues that may arise and agree on an amicable resolution to their problems?
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Booming Regional Meth Industry – Thailand, Myanmar, China and Laos
A UN Office of Drugs and Crime report released last week states that the methamphetamine trade is now worth between US$30-61 billion per year in East and South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh.
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Laos Moves to Register Private Online News Sites in a Bid to Control ‘Fake News’
Government authorities in Laos have ordered the administrators of news outlets carried on Facebook and other social media platforms to register their accounts or face jail time and fines
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Drones, Big Money and Cheap Drugs
Landlocked, secretive and with ungovernable borders, Laos has become a sluice for transporting Made-In-Myanmar meth to the drug hungry markets of Southeast Asia and Australia, where billion-dollar seizures are now being made.
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Private Sector Hopes For Easier Business Operation Through Int’l Evaluation
The private sector in Laos is optimistic that trade and investment will be made easier by the public sector following the application of international evaluation standards.
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Spouse Visa – The Grand Puzzle Decoded !
Finally, a visa category specifically designed for those foreigners who had made the serious and time-consuming commitment to marry a Lao National
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Laos ‘Disciplines’ Hundreds of Corrupt Officials in Recent Months, Jails Few
The Lao government has disciplined more than 200 officials involved in taking bribes or embezzlement in recent months as part of a bid to crackdown on rampant corruption in the Southeast Asian nation, but few have been held criminally accountable for their actions.
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MaxMara Allegedly Stole Designs From A Laotian Community For These Pricey Dresses
A group in Laos says designer MaxMara ripped off designs from a local ethnic group with zero compensation or acknowledgment.
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Lao Inspection Reveals 1,002 Cases of Corruption in 2018
As many as 1,225 state investment projects have been implemented unlawfully over the past years, the Government Inspection Authority (GIA) reported this week.
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How China’s WeChat Became A Grim Heart Of Illegal Animal Trading
Sales of illegal animal products shifted away from shopfronts in Laos and are surging on the Chinese social media platform WeChat
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Laos, China, Myanmar and Thailand to join hands against drug trafficking
Laos, China, Myanmar and Thailand will soon come together to boost measures against drug trafficking, following the worsening situation in …
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Elephants Now In Demand For Their Skin
Recent times have seen the emergence of a dangerous trend that would adversely affect elephant populations everywhere. This is the growing demand for the skins of elephants, especially, of the Asian elephant.
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Thailand’s Roads Remain Some Of The Deadliest In The World
A new report by the World Health Organisation paints a grim picture regarding road safety in Thailand.
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Villagers Warned Not To Swim In River Near Vientiane
Chemicals released into a river by a Chinese-owned banana farm near the Lao capital Vientiane killed over 300 kg of fish in November, prompting warnings by authorities to local villagers not to bathe or fish in the polluted stream, sources in the country say.
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Chinese-Owned Cement Factories Pollute Lao Villages
Two Chinese-owned cement factories in the Vang Vieng district of Laos’ Vientiane Province are covering approximately 900 local families in at least four villages with dust and smog, threatening their health, local sources say.
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Laos Jails ‘Pyramid Scheme’ Company Owners For 15 Years
A court in the Lao capital Vientiane today handed 15-year prison terms to the owners of a company accused last year of defrauding investors of thousands of U.S. dollars in personal savings, a Lao source says.
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Drone Owners In Laos Advised Of Permit Regulations
The department’s Deputy Director General, Mr Bounteng Symoun, told Vientiane Times the operators of drones that weigh one kilogram or more must obtain a certificate from the Radio Frequency Department.
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INTERPOL Launches A Project Designed To Strengthen Capacity Of Law Enforcement Agencies
The iTWIN-JAPAN/LAOS Project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and border security agencies, was launched by INTERPOL on Thursday.
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Three Lao Nationals Arrested For Trying To Smuggle Bt38m
Three Lao nationals – one man and two women – have been arrested while trying to cross the border into Laos from Nong Khai with Bt38 million in undeclared Thai banknotes hidden in their sedan’s speaker boxes and compartments.
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Bokeo Police Seize 4.3m Amphetamine Pills
Police have launched a manhunt for a gang of drug traffickers after seizing more than four million amphetamine pills in Tonpheung district of Bokeo province last week.
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Laos Continues To Be Target For Money Laundering
Laos continues to face a high risk of money laundering despite the country graduating from the “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force last year, according to the National Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment (NRA).
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Hunan Chamber of Commerce President to Laos Murdered
The President of China’s Hunan Chamber of Commerce to Laos was murdered on Sunday at his house in Sikhottabong district in central Vientiane.
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Laos To Introduce E-Visa by 2019
Laos will join Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar in offering an online e-visa option for tourism purposes, the last country in Southeast Asia to switch from passport-page sized stickers to electronically prearranged visas for self-printout
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Myanmar, Laos Drop in Rank in Annual US Human Trafficking Report
The U.S. State Department downgraded Myanmar and Laos to Tier 3, its lowest ranking, in an annual report on human trafficking released today, citing the countries’ failure to make significant efforts to combat the trade.
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Marriage Law Amendments Ease Processes For Foreigners, Citizens
Amendments to the Law on Family Registration passed by the National Assembly (NA) recently will ease and regulate marriage between Lao and foreign nationals as well as family registration affairs in general.
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Reminder: Pay Road Tax 2018 Latest By End Of June
The deadline for 2018 road tax payments is June 30 this year.
The finance ministry warned that those failing to pay by the deadline would be fined 40 percent of their obligated road tax rates.
New Laos IP Law Is A Significant Step Forward For Domestic And International Brands
A new IP law will come into force in the Southeast Asian nation of Laos this weekend, introducing trademark opposition procedures to the country for the first time. The new law also stipulates the creation of a new digital platform for brand rights and expands the range of images eligible for trademark protection in the jurisdiction, among other things.
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Petrol Stations In Residential Areas Given One Year To Move
Petrol stations that open for business near an existing facility or are too close to a residential area must move away within one year from now, a senior government official has said.
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Govt Piloting Single-Window Customs Clearance For Vehicles
The government is piloting the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) scheme at international border crossings, seeking to speed up customs clearance for vehicles and link the country to the Asean single window system.
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Use Of Immigration Forms Waived At Four International Airports
Lao citizens and foreigners who are permanently resident in Laos will no longer need to fill in an immigration form when leaving or entering the country via international airports in Vientiane, LuangPrabang, Savannakhet, and Pakxe.
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Laos Loses Millions Of Dollars Due To Overvalued Projects
The construction cost of many projects with State investment have been found to be too expensive and exceeding the realistic value, inspectors have confirmed.
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Vientiane Police Gear Up For Pi Mai Lao Security
The Vientiane Traffic Police Department has rostered almost 600 police for security detail around the capital in a bid to reduce traffic congestion and road accidents during the Pi Mai Lao holiday from April 14-16.
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Vientiane Police Mull Use Of Speed Cameras
Vientiane Police Headquarters plan to install speed cameras on major roads in the capital in a bid to reduce driving offences and the number of traffic accidents.
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Laos Drug Lord ‘Mr X’ Jailed For Life By Thai Court
A major Laos drug lord dubbed ‘Mr X’ was jailed for life on Tuesday by a Bangkok court, as Thailand battles record meth trafficking through its borders.
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Rule Of Law Key To Strengthening Laos’ Competitiveness
Laos has to strengthen the rule of law if it wants to become a competitive investment destination, according to a report from the World Bank.
“The country (Laos) faces issues that include weak regulatory effectiveness, control of corruption and rule of law,” the 2018-Doing Business in the Lao PDR report highlighted in its key findings.
MICAT Publicises Law on Performing Arts
Source: Vientiane Times The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICAT) last Friday publicised a law on Performing Arts to
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Authorities Call For Vehicle Owners To Pay Road Tax 2018
Authorities have announced that 2018 road tax can now be paid and the Ministry of Finance is calling on vehicle owners to pay their obligations to the nation.
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Money-Laundering Warrants Pending Over Lao brothers’ Bt98m
Nong Khai police will in two weeks apply for arrest warrants related to money-laundering charges for Lao siblings who were caught trying to cross the border into Laos from Nong Khai with more than Bt98 million in undeclared Thai banknotes in December.
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Remove Unnecessary Barriers To Improve Business Climate
Deputy Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone has urged the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to accelerate improvement of the business climate by cutting the number of days it takes to register a business.
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Govt Resolves Illegal Import Of Thousands Of Vehicles
The government last year documented and processed the paperwork for 11,030 vehicles and motorbikes that had been imported unlawfully, according to an official report.
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US Sanctions Laos-Based ‘Criminal Organisation’
The US Treasury Department early Wednesday announced sanctions against four men and a group of companies allegedly linked to drug and human trafficking throughout the region.
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How To Protect Your Intellectual Property In Laos
As Lao PDR’s economy grows and more companies begin conducting commercial activities here it will become increasingly important for businesses to protect and maintain their competitiveness in the market. A company’s failure to effectively protect its IP or to restrict infringement of its IP can lead to the loss of market share, revenue, reputation, opportunity and competitive advantage.
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Drug Production In Laos and Myanmar Still A Major Threat
In December 2017, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its latest report on opium production in Myanmar and, at face value, the news was good.
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NA President Calls On Judiciary To Tackle Laxity Within Its Ranks
Lack of strong leadership, measures and inspection methods, combined with poor coordination, are causing incompetency in the justice sector, leading to an increase in violations of the law over the past year.
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Vientiane People’s Council Mulls Antisocial Activities
Drugs, theft, gambling and other forms of undesirable conduct in the capital were raised for discussion at a four-day session of the Vientiane People’s Council, which ended on Friday.
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US$ 96 Million Declared Lost To PS Lao Enterprise
More than 30,000 people have declared that they deposited a combined 800 billion kip with PS Lao Enterprise after the company unlawfully solicited money from them, authorities said yesterday.
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Laos Transfers 104 Telecom Fraud Suspects To China
Lao police on Friday transferred 104 telecommunications fraud suspects to the Chinese side following a handover ceremony held at Wattay International Airport in Lao capital Vientiane.
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Utilise Local Tour Guides Or Face Penalties, Foreign Tour Operators Warned
Lao authorities have warned foreign tour operators to utilise local tour guides otherwise they will be fined.
The authorities also warned foreign tour operators to partner with local counterparts in arranging package tour programmes in Laos; if not they will face measures.
917 People Killed in Road Accidents
Traffic Police Department, Ministry of Public Security has reported that 917 lives have been killed in road accidents nationwide over the past 11 months with Vientiane Capital sharing the highest number of road accident casualties.
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Seek Permission Before Flying Your Drone, Lao Ministry Warns
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has warned drone owners to seek permission from the relevant authorities before flying their drones – if not, the owners will face penalties.
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Lao Toyota FC Banned From AFC Cup For Match-Fixing Connection
Lao Toyota FC will not be eligible to participate in the 2018 AFC Cup because of the Laos club’s previous involvement in match-fixing, Asian soccer’s governing body said on Thursday.
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Thailand Has The Deadliest Roads In The World
The report, released by the World Atlas website, says there is more chance of people being killed on Thailand’s road than on the roads in places like Malawi, Iran, Rwanda and Lesotho.
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Laos Cracks Down on Trafficking on Border With Thailand
Lao authorities are tightening controls at a crossing on the border with Thailand, posting warning signs and interviewing travelers in a bid to end the exploitation of young Lao citizens for sex or labor in the neighboring country.
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Two Lao Nationals Held Over Attempted Cash Smuggle: Thailand
Two Lao nationals were arrested while they allegedly attempted to smuggle nearly 100 million baht in cash into Thailand through a border checkpoint in Muang district yesterday.
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Police Must Work Harder To Tackle Thefts And Burglaries In Vientiane
The people of the capital of Laos are, by and large, peaceful and law-abiding but as with all other cities around the world, they too face the problem of crimes such as thefts and burglaries.
Of late, the people of Vientiane have been troubled by several instances of car thefts and break-ins and it should be the mission of police officials to investigate these crimes and punish the wrong-doers under the laws of the country.
Laos Faces US&EU Trade Suspensions Over Wildlife Trade
At SC69, Laos’ non-compliance was the subject of a working group in which EIA and other NGOs participated. The U.S. called for Laos to face full trade suspensions now, while the EU favored a warning and a time-bound process for specific remedial action to ensure Laos sets up proper CITES authorities and takes action to stop trade in parts and products of tigers (including farmed tigers), elephants, rhinos, pangolins and other wildlife.
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Laos, Russia Ready Visa Exemptions To Spur More Visits
Visa exemptions for citizens of Laos and Russia who hold ordinary passports will come into effect on Lao National Day in a move expected to boost people-to-people visits.
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Anyone In Thailand In Possession Of Offensive Material Faces Jail
Bangkok-based rights group iLaw has warned that anyone with pornographic material on their computers or other data deemed illegal could be jailed.
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Minimum Wage Hike In The Pipeline
A tripartite meeting held in Vientiane recently agreed to increase the minimum wage from the present 900,000 kip to 1.2 million kip a month, a senior official has confirmed.
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Entertainment Venues ‘Must Be 500 metres Away From Specific Places’
The government has imposed a new regulation which requires places of entertainment to be located 500 metres or more from educational institutions, hospitals, government offices, and international organisations.
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NA Seeks Radical Changes To Law On Criminal Procedure
National Assembly members are pressing for amendments to the Law on Criminal Procedure in the hope it will resolve various problems that have arisen in the past.
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Dishonesty Too Frequent In Court Verdicts, NA Members Say
The abuse of power by some judges and dishonesty on the part of judges and defence lawyers so they can benefit from litigants was hotly debated by National Assembly (NA) members on Friday when they discussed a draft of the Law on Judges.
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Govt Vows To Retrieve Billions Lost To Misuse, Illegal Imports
The government has entrusted authorities in charge to carry out inspections into 45.53 million litres of oil that was imported for a state investment project but was never actually used for that project.
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Special Privileges Offered To Qualified Foreigners Seeking Lao Citizenship
The National Assembly (NA) on Wednesday passed the draft of an amended Law on Lao Citizenship which offers special treatment of qualified and highly-educated foreigners seeking Lao citizenship.
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NA Raises Concerns Over Growing Jail Population
National Assembly members are very concerned about the rising number of arrests and inmates in Lao jails with many of them being young people.
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Trillion Kip Spent Unlawfully: State Top Auditor
More than one trillion kip of state spending without approval from the National Assembly (NA) has been uncovered, the state top auditor told the parliament this week.
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Beware Of Illegal Transactions By Fake Banks, Public Warned
The Bank of the Lao PDR has warned members of the public to beware of unauthorised bank accounts after learning that some people have been tricked into making transactions with fake banks.
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Expat Business Owner Shot Over Dispute: Police …. updated
Police suspected that a 60-year-old Chinese national who was found shot dead in front of Sikhay Plaza shopping mall in Sikhottabong district on Saturday morning was killed because of a business dispute.
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Laos Is ‘World’s Fastest Growing’ Ivory Market
The fastest growing ivory market in the world is now Laos, according to an investigation by Kenya-based group Save the Elephants.
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The Guide To Employment Permits For Foreign Workers in Laos
Laos, officially Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), issues several types of work visas to foreigners planning to work in the country, based on the type of employment and projects assumed by them.
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Public Call For Solutions To Persistent Problems
Members of the National Assembly and the Vientiane People’s Council recently debated various issues put forward by the public and are waiting for the authorities to come up with solutions.
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Telephone Number Registry Checks Planned
A planned review of all mobile telephone numbers registered for use via the nation’s mobile SIM cards is to be led by the Ministry of Post and Communications aiming to ensure records are up to date.
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Ceiling For Social Security Contributions Raised
In line with the policy to adjust the maximum ceiling of the insurable earnings under the National Social Security Fund (“NSSF”) framework at five times the minimum wage set by the Government of Lao PDR and adjusted from
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Authorities Warn Petrol Stations Not To Cheat Customers
Several petrol stations in Vientiane and Khammuan province have been warned against cheating their customers following recent inspections made by authorities.
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Official Explains Situation On Laos-Cambodia Border
Laos and Cambodia have completed the demarcation of about 87 percent of their border, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced during a news conference held in Vientiane to provide an explanation about the recent problem on the frontier.
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Depth Of Child Trafficking To Thailand Exposed In Report
CHILDREN ARE being trafficked to Thailand from neighbouring countries for underage labour, sexual exploitation and forced begging, a new report revealed yesterday.
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Entertainment Venues Near Schools, Hospitals Prepare For Closure Order
Education authorities are preparing to cooperate with fellow government agencies to shut down entertainment venues if found to be in breach of regulations once receiving the appropriate order.
Entertainment venues and shops that sell alcohol are not allowed to ..
Laos To Establish Administrative Courts
Laos is preparing to establish administrative courts to better address administrative disputes between executive agencies and the general public.
The move will allow members of the public to file a lawsuit against …
Illegal Vehicle Importation Chased Up
Vientiane authorities have resolved a significant number of cases of illegal car imports and import tax avoidance over the past six months, recovering funds due to support the nation’s budget.
The 382 vehicles seized in the capital were …
Drug Abuse, Illicit Trafficking Still Major Problem In Laos
Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has called for combined efforts from the Lao people from all walks of life to join global citizens in the fight against illegal drug trade and abuse as it is still a major problem for Laos.
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The Lao-Singapore Tax Treaty/DTA is Now Effective
In case you missed it, Singapore’s reputation as an attractive holding company location for investments into Lao PDR recently went up a notch: after being signed way back in February 2014, the long-awaited tax treaty/double taxation agreement between Lao PDR and Singapore (the “DTA”) became effective on 1 January 2017.
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Govt To Address Illegal Car Imports, Other Issues
The government has instructed relevant sectors to take further action to address illegal vehicle imports after learning more were imported into Laos than previously reported
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Ministry Orders Action To Address Land Disputes, Unlawful Land Occupation
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has ordered provincial and district line departments to take actions to address land disputes, unlawful land occupations and related issues.
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Over 250 cc Motorbike Ban To Be Enforced
Authorities will enforce the ban on motorcycles over 250 cc for general use and their import into Laos.
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Police Hold Off On Fines For Drivers Not Wearing Seatbelts
Drivers in Vientiane can wait a little longer before traffic police start fining them for not wearing a seatbelt, as police say more adjustments are needed to refine the relevant legislation.
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‘Wombs For Rent’ Business Flourishes In Laos
Dozens of fertility clinics have mushroomed in land-locked Laos after scandals over commercial surrogacy have spurred wealthier southeast Asian neighbours to ban the controversial procedure since 2015.
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Asean Members Move Against Illicit Trade In Small Arms
Laos and other Asean member countries are strengthening their position on the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons to further enhance the safety of people in the region.
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How Laos’ Black Market Undermines China’s Ivory Ban
As tour buses pull up in front of San Jiang Market, not far from Wattay International Airport, a guide beckons to a group of Chinese tourists. They soon disappear into the jungle of shops bearing signs in Chinese characters, many of which sell “local specialties,” or any illicit wildlife product imaginable.
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Lao Health Officials Shut Down Clinic Suspected of Providing Illegal Surrogacy Services
Lao officials have ordered a clinic in the capital Vientiane to shut down amid indications that it is using Thai women to provide illegal surrogacy services to infertile couples
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Arbitration in Laos
The choice of arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism has risen in popularity as a time and cost-effective option to resolve commercial disputes. By including an arbitration clause in contractual arrangements, contracting parties may agree in advance on the seat and rules of arbitration, the size of the arbitration panel and even the rules to ….
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Arrest Of Seven At Laos Border Sheds Light On Surrogacy-For-Hire Conspirancy
The recent arrest in Nong Khai of a man from Bangkok and six Thai women carrying an empty nitrogen tank and lab equipment while returning from Laos on Saturday evening shed light on a criminal conspiracy employing Thai women as surrogate mothers.
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National Assembly Remains In Favour Of Death Penalty
National Assembly members have spoken out in favour of retaining the death penalty and want this punishment to be meted out to people who have committed serious crimes.
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National Assembly Debates Draft Of Civil Code
National Assembly members began debating the latest draft of the Civil Code yesterday, the country’s first legal framework on civil relations.
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France Lends Muscle To Laos’ Security Forces
Laos will need to increase the capacity of security forces working to combat illegal immigration including international crime in all its forms, officials say.
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The Mekong Middlemen Running Drugs Across Asia
Compared to their ultra-violent Central and Latin American cousins, the drug dealers of Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle use their low-profile to remain beyond the long arm of the law.
But they control the world’s second largest drug producing region, manufacturing and moving ….
Why It’s Time To Comply: Internal Regulations For Workplaces In Laos
The Labour Law (2013) came into effect on 28 October 2014, repealing and replacing the previous Labour Law (2006) and introducing a number of significant changes relating to the basic rules of employment in Lao PDR. As the Labour Law is now well into its third year in force, we consider one of its more significant yet often overlooked legal requirements for employers in Lao PDR – internal regulations or “work rules” of the workplace for employees.
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Govt Toughens Up On Foreign Worker Registration
The labour and security sectors are gearing up to register and issue temporary work permits to foreign workers as part of government efforts to strictly regulate foreign nationals.
According to a report from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, some 24,000 foreign workers were registered over the last year, mostly Vietnamese, ….
Vientiane Authorities To Clamp Down On Advertising Hoardings
Vientiane authorities are taking a close look at advertisements written in foreign languages in the capital in a bid to enforce the regulations on such signs.
Many advertisements are written in foreign languages in the capital, especially in Sikhottabong, Xaysettha and Chanthabouly districts.
The department is planning to inspect all hoardings written in foreign languages to determine whether …..
Lao Leaders Return Their Luxury Cars
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on Tuesday handed in his BMW 7 Series, following up on a promise made by the country’s leaders that they will no longer drive expensive luxury vehicles in an attempt to exercise frugality.
President Bounnhang Vorachit, who is Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, was also expected to give back his BMW 7 Series yesterday, an official at the ….
Lao Prime Minister Moves To Stop Land-for-Capital Deals
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith says he wants to end the Lao government’s policy of bartering land for development, in a reversal of a long-term practice that has seen large swaths of the country go to foreign-backed investors.
“The business sector should not convince the governmental sector to create debts for the nation,” Thongloun told the Lao version of the chamber of commerce earlier this month. “In recent years, many big development projects, including ….
Govt Fights Corruption, Vows To Cut Excess
The government has instructed its anti-corruption body to work out necessary measures and carry out inspection to fight against corruption in all forms.
Chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, the meeting entrusted a committee in charge of debt payment for state investment projects to draw up measures for debt payment so that ….
Officials Warn Consumers About Gift Basket Risks
The health authority has established a system for the inspection of expired goods mixed in markets in an effort to curb the growth in these products according to the regulations.
The sale of fake and expired goods mixed with other products is still a common occurrence in Vientiane, even though the health authorities carry out regular ….
Hundreds Of Police Dismissed For Corruption
Some 737 police officers have been dismissed from their posts over the past five years after taking bribes and abusing their power.
More than 1,000 police officers were found to have violated laws and regulations including the 737 who were dismissed.
A report on the cases was presented at the ….
Lao Amended Investment Law Shortens Concession Period
Amendments to the Investment Promotion Law has shortened investment concession periods to ensure closer scrutiny of investors’ operations, Lao state-run daily Vientiane Times reported on Monday.
A draft amendment to the law, which was passed by Lao National Assembly (NA) last week, shortens the investment concession period from 99 years to 50 years, a change that was widely welcomed by NA members during ….
Laos Footballers Suspended In Match-Fixing Probe
The Asian Football Confederation said on Monday it had provisionally suspended four Laos national-team members as it investigates suspected manipulation of “multiple matches” going back years.
The players were provisionally suspended for 60 days for “various violations… related to suspected match manipulation,” the AFC said in a …..
Trillions Of KIP In Earnings Go Unreported By Govt Bodies
Trillions of kip have been lost due to the continued violation of financial regulations by ministries, government agencies, and state enterprises.
These include losses due to tax discounts and exemptions on the import and export of goods, the illegal transfer of state property, and other financial …..
Unlawful Financial Institutions Warned of Legal Action
Illegal financial institutions that have sourced funds by offering abnormally high interest rates will face legal measures, the governor of the central bank has warned.
Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR, Dr Somphao Phaysith, told the ongoing ordinary session of the National Assembly (NA) that 24 institutions have been found acquiring deposits illegally. He said the bank has issued a notice instructing these institutions to …..
Right Turns At Red Lights Reinstated: Police
The Vientiane authorities have agreed to reinstate the old traffic rules for turning right at traffic lights nationwide.
Motorists are now allowed to turn right on a red light signal unless such a turn is expressly forbidden by signage but they are urged to exercise caution in doing so.
For almost four months, the Vientiane authorities introduced a ….
Tax Rates Set To Increase Next Year: Ministry
The Taxation Department of the Ministry of Finance is aiming to introduce new land and road tax rates to boost government revenue for next fiscal year.
According to the Taxation Department’s report for the first seven months of the 2015-2016 fiscal year they were yet to determine what the percentage increase would be for the numerous categories of land and road tax.
At present tax is collected for land and vehicles at many different rates depending …..
President Demands Harsh Penalties For Lack Of Discipline
Party Chief and President Bounnhang Vorachit has instructed the top anti-corruption body to appropriately punish those officials found violating the regulations in a bid to stamp out malpractice and lax discipline.
The president also endorsed the creation of measures that would enable members of the public to participate in inspection work …..
Chinese Woman Killed In Roadside Mugging Last Night
Robbers shot a Chinese woman dead last night on the T2 road in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane.
A witness said that at 21:25 a Chinese couple was walking along T2 road (also known as Asean Road) when a man and a woman pulled up on a motorbike and confronted the couple. They produced a gun and demanded that …..
Officials Express Concern About Illegal Marriages
People of 47 different nationalities are married to Lao citizens, with most foreign partners coming from the three nations of Thailand, the Republic of Korea and China, according to figures from the Protection Police and Lao-Anti Trafficking Department.
Some 1,600 marriages involving Lao citizens and foreigners were recorded from 2012-2015. In 75 cases, foreign women …..
No More Right Turns On Red Traffic Lights: Lao Police
As of yesterday, according to this report of the Lao National TV, it’s forbidden to take a right turn on a red traffic light, unless there is an additional green arrow light (apart from the main signal light) present and flashing.
Not following this rule will result in fines of …..
BOL Teams Up With Police To Combat Money Laundering
The government is taking a tough stance on financial transparency as well as crime prevention, especially in the area of money laundering, to help encourage foreign direct investment in Laos.
As part of government’s efforts to bring the country’s financial standards in line with international systems, the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL)’s Anti-Money Laundering Intelligence Unit yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ….
South Korea Next To Issue Travel Warning For Parts Of Laos
South Korea followed the US and Australia in issuing a travel warning against trips to Laos’ central province of Xaisomboun, as well as traveling on Route 13 that stretches from Kasi to Phou Khoun, part of the road connection between Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
The warning followed a number of recent shootings that involved and killed Chinese nationals working in Laos and already prompted the Laos government to ……
Vientiane Rescue: The Deadly Streets Of Laos
In the blinding glare of headlights, the traffic keeps coming. Motorbikes swerve dangerously, cars drive down the wrong side of the road – it’s Friday night in Vientiane, the busiest night of the week on the Laotian capital’s roads.
With the country’s economy booming, more people in Laos can afford motorbikes and cars than ever before – and they drive ….
Police Break Up Gang Of Weapons Dealers
Vientiane police are pursuing their investigations into a network of people allegedly selling weapons in Laos.
Officials will step up efforts to track down other suspects involved in weapons dealing and would seek to obtain more information from those already in police custody.
Police held the press conference to inform the public that they had broken up a gang of weapons dealers and had impounded a number of items they were …..
Vientiane Motorists Face Ten-Fold Fines On Roadside Parking
Motorists in Vientiane will face ten-fold fines from now on if they violate a new city ban on the use of pavements, sidewalks or roadsides where parking is prohibited.
In a warning for motorists, this includes all roads where the kerb and channeling is painted red and white, so members of the public will need to think more carefully about where they park their cars.
The new city ban comes into effect this …..
Laos Picks New Communist Party Chief
Laos’s Communist Party on Friday chose Bounnhang Vorachit to be its new leader after a vote by a newly formed central committee that did not include the prime minister and former party chief, signaling their political exits.
The country’s official KPL news agency said Bounnhang, the 78-year-old current vice president, won the leadership vote on Friday at the ……
New Constitution Spells Out Top Leaders’ Roles
The newly amended National Constitution has spelled out the mandate of the three State powers and the roles of the country’s top leaders.
Stipulated in the 34-page constitution as the highest State Power, the National Assembly (NA) will play the role of electing or removing the President and Vice President of the Lao PDR in response to a proposal made by ….
Amended Constitution Creates Provincial Assemblies, Gives President Two Terms
The newly-amended constitution passed recently by the National Assembly (NA) has allowed the establishment of provincial assemblies (PAs) for the first time, which are set to function in an NA-like role as local parliaments.
The constitution also stipulates, for the first time, that the president can hold office for not more than …..
New VAT Invoices Distributed To Boost Revenue Collection
Many people in Vientiane have begun to request the newly made Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices after learning the receipts may contain prizes, with tax officials hoping that the new incentives will boost revenue collection.
“I’d like a VAT invoice because I may win a prize,” said a customer at a small barber shop in Phontong village, Chanthabouly district, Vientiane last weekend. “If this invoice really contains prizes, it is better than……
Lao Labour Law Interpretation Needed
The calculation of severance pay, the use of foreign labour, and many other matters stipulated in the newly amended Law on Labour needed explanation to ensure the law was effectively enforced.
These issues were discussed on Friday in Vientiane between employers, government officials, and international experts to test the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) labour code guides and training material.
The calculation of severance pay that is fixed to 10 percent of previous ……
Underage African Footballers ‘Trafficked’ To Laos
African footballers as young as 14 are being trafficked to Asia and forced to sign contracts, the BBC has learnt.
Six minors are still with top Laos side Champasak United, after it imported 23 under-age players from West Africa to an unregistered football academy in February, a BBC investigation found.
Fifa regulations prohibit the movement of players to a foreign club or academy until they are 18. The club, based in the southern city Pakse, denies any wrongdoing. “Fifa is in contact with several member associations in …..
Foreign Drivers Should Understand Traffic In Laos: Police
Police authorities have asked foreign visitors to learn the traffic regulations in Laos before driving here in order to avoid road accidents.
The road accidents information sector from Vientiane Police Office reported on Tuesday that the number of road accidents in Vientiane involving foreigners is still low but stressed that they require foreign visitors to learn the Lao traffic regulations before driving here.
“It is still a low number but looking at the reality on the streets every day and you can see that there are several foreigners riding bicycles, motorcycles or even cars breaking the traffic regulations. If it stays like this the ….
Police Seize Almost 3 Million Amphetamine Tablets After Car Chase
Narcotics suppression officials from Vientiane arrested a man on Sunday after finding almost 3 million amphetamine tablets stashed in the SUV he was driving.
As part of drug trafficking investigations in central Vientiane on June 7 officials followed a Toyota Prado that was driving at high speed through Phontong village in Chanthabouly district.
The Vientiane Police Office reported yesterday the narcotics suppression team was ….