Asia Laos The government is enforcing stricter penalties on tobacco companies that fail to comply with new graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, aiming to curb smoking and protect public health
Asia Laos Mimee Phommaly, a 27-year-old woman with a degree in agriculture, is transforming in Luang Prabang farming: her Khamphet Farm cultivates over 25 types of fruit, actively challenging gender stereotypes in farming and empowering community by providing jobs
Asia Laos In the village of Ban Nam Deua, a Swiss-backed initiative is helping residents secure legal land rights; Through training, mapping and community engagement, the project empowers villagers to manage their land sustainably and avoid disputes or exploitation
Asia Laos A cooperation pact with Cambodia has been signed on 19 July to curb cross-border scams and drug trafficking, protect citizens and enhance regional security; since late June, Cambodia’s fight on scam networks led to 2.100 arrests and 2.300 deportations
Asia Laos 35.446 unexploded ordnance have been cleared in the first half of 2025 across 14 provinces in Laos, including bombs, landmines and cluster munitions; children remain most at risk, making up over 60% of victims as they unknowingly play with UXO
Asia Laos FAO and IUCN launched a $42 million GEF-funded initiative to protect primary forests in Southeast Asia and the Pacific; It supports Laos, PNG and Thailand, aims to manage 3,2M ha, restore 8,5k ha, cut 34M t CO₂, and benefit around 20.000 people
Asia Laos A nationwide blood drive have started in Luang Prabang and Vientiane to tackle persistent shortages ahead of World Blood Donor Day; fear and misinformation hinder donations and the Lao Red Cross is calling for voluntary contributions
Asia Laos A sustainable tourism initiative has been launched in partnership with Thailand’s Packon Company; it aims to integrate smart technologies, enhance infrastructure, and develop eco-friendly attractions like electric tour buses and riverside walking streets
Asia Laos A national digital ID system has been launched with support of Vietnam and Japan to modernize public services and boost data security; it includes a centralized citizen database and aims to streamline government operations and improve service access
Asia Laos COPE, a Lao non-profit providing prosthetics and rehabilitation to bomb victims, faces a 40% USAID funding cut; Two-thirds of staff may be laid off, risking major setbacks in efforts to help those injured by unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War
Asia Laos A state funeral was held for former President and Party Chairman General Khamtai Siphandone, who passed away at 102; Thousands, including international delegations, attended the ceremony in Vientiane to honor his pivotal role in liberation and development
Asia Laos Luang Prabang province in Northern Laos welcomed 1.167.581 tourists in the first three months of 2025, marking a 162% increase compared to the same period in 2024
Asia Laos The Lao National Assembly is reviewing constitutional amendments; changes affect governance, local administration, judiciary, economy, citizen rights and revisions aim to streamline government functions, strengthen legal oversight, and boost investment