Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Cybercrime and trafficking fears swirl around Laos’ casino-led economic zone
VIENTIANE, July 15 — Rising from the muddy fields on the Mekong riverbank in Laos, a lotus tops a casino in a sprawling city which analysts decry as a centre for cybercrime. Shabby, mismatched facades — including an Iberian-style plaza replete...

TAT promotes rainy season tourism, highlighting nature and spiritual charm
“Each of the three provinces has its own unique character and deep spiritual and cultural roots,” she said. “It’s a journey of three provinces and three distinct fascinations.” Udon Thani: where history meets spirituality Udon Thani boasts...

ASEAN youth drive cultural exchange, sustainability in Sabah
Participants at the AYV 2025 welcoming dinner. – Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (July 15): Kampung Kobuni in Inanam is the primary location for the ongoing ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme 2025 (AYV 2025) in Sabah, involving 40 youth...

How Far Must a Glass Artist Go to Run a Studio in China?
When Chinyurin first decided to establish her glass studio in Jingdezhen, the challenges seemed insurmountable. As a graduate of Tama Art University’s prestigious Craft Arts program in Tokyo, she had mastered traditional techniques but now faced...

Jesus & Lao Tzu: Beginnings and the Afterlife
Religions spend a lot of time contemplating the afterlife. But Taoism seems more interested in the foundation of things than the end of them. The Tao is eternal. Being eternal means everything returns to it. (Image by Karen .t from Pixabay) The...

Laos Begins Compensation Process for Railway-Affected Residents
The Lao government has begun compensating residents whose land and property have been affected by the Lao-Thai Railway Project, despite ongoing delays in updating land documentation. During the 9th Ordinary Session of the Vientiane Capital...

Laos Launches New Training Program to Empower Underprivileged Lao Youth
Underprivileged Lao youths are set to receive skills training and job preparation through a newly launched initiative designed to improve living conditions and close the employment gap for those with limited access to job opportunities nationwide....
Laos backs women's leadership in climate adaptation
VIENTIANE, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government, in partnership with development partners, will launch a project to empower women leaders in climate change adaptation to promote sustainable development, gender equity and resilience in Laos. The...
Laos prepares youth with workforce skills to boost employment
VIENTIANE, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Laos is actively working to develop workforce skills and prepare its labor force for both domestic and international markets, aiming to improve job opportunities, income, and overall welfare for young people. The Lao...

Lao Women’s Union Marks 70th Anniversary with National Celebration
KPL On July 10, 2025 – The Central Lao Women's Union hosted a grand event at the Lao-ITECC Shopping Center to mark the 70th anniversary of the Lao Women’s Union (July 20, 1955 – July 20, 2025). The celebration was graced by Prime Minister Sonexay...

Laos halts approvals for potash mines in Vientiane
The Lao government has halted all surveys, exploration, and implementation of potash projects in the capital, Vientiane, according to a notice issued on 1 July by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly of Laos, as reported by Argus Media....

Laos Launches Climate-Smart Farming Project in Six Provinces
Laos is stepping up efforts to tackle climate-related food insecurity and open new export opportunities, with USD 68.5 million in support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and partners to modernize agriculture in six climate-vulnerable...

Laos steps up biodiversity conservation efforts
KPL (KPL/VNA)Laos plans to release more than 65 million fish fingerlings and other aquatic species into rivers nationwide this year, part of activities celebrating its National Aquatic and Wildlife Day on July 13. (KPL/VNA)Laos plans to release...
Laos rolls out BRT trial to boost public transport
VIENTIANE, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will launch a three-month trial in Lao capital Vientiane, with plans to extend routes to Wattay International Airport and the China-Laos Railway station, aiming to improve public...
Laos to launch key environmental projects to protect environment, natural resources
VIENTIANE, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Laos will launch key environmental projects in six provinces as part of a broader effort to strengthen environmental conservation and protect the country's natural resources. The projects were funded by the...

Lao, Thai Officials Reaffirm Strong Agricultural Cooperation
KPL Mr. Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR, recently welcomed Ms. Morakot Sriswasdi, Ambassador of Thailand to the Lao PDR, and her delegation for bilateral talks aimed at strengthening cooperation in...

Laos, Thailand, Myanmar Faces Arsenic Contamination in Mekong River
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has confirmed arsenic contamination exceeding international safety standards across transboundary sections of the Mekong and Kok Rivers, affecting Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. MRC’s 3 June assessment revealed...

Laos’ Senior ASEAN Official attends High-Level Meetings in Malaysia
KPL On July 7, 2025, Mr. Phongsavanh Sisoulath, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Senior ASEAN Official of the Lao PDR, led a delegation to attend two key meetings: the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting and the Executive Committee Meeting of the...
Laos to release over 65 mln fingerlings in 2025 to support biodiversity
VIENTIANE, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government plans to release more than 65 million fish fingerlings and other aquatic species into rivers across Laos in 2025, as part of its efforts to conserve biodiversity and support sustainable ecosystems....

Lao Communities Urged to Curb Wildlife Consumption for a Safer, Healthier Future
KPL A national movement is gaining momentum in Laos to reduce the consumption of wild animals, with health experts and conservationists highlighting the dangers it poses to public health and biodiversity. (KPL) A national movement is gaining...