Laos

5.168 people have been arrested, including 199 foreigners, in the 2024 drug crackdown; authorities seized large amounts of narcotics, destroyed opium fields, sent 5.132 addicts to rehab centers while stricter laws rules and global cooperation are planned

Laos, with Nepal, has been added the FATF ‘grey list’ in its latest update as the Financial Action Task Force said the countries would need increased monitoring, while the Philippines have been removed due to satisfactory on-site inspection

Champasack Province plans to elevate the Million-Year-Old Volcano in Paksong District to a national tourist attraction; development includes upgrading the 17 km road and adding restaurants and accommodations to boost eco-tourism and local economic growth

A coffee processing station in Mokvat, built with support from Korea International Cooperation Agency and Wonders International, processes 900kg-1 ton of cherries/hour and boosts the coffee value chain by enabling farmers to produce higher-value products

Vientiane’s top tourist sites - including Patuxai Monument, That Luang Stupa, and Buddha Park - attracted over 300.000 visitors in 2024, reflecting a strong recovery in Laos’s tourism sector; targeted campaigns will aim at further boosting tourism in 2025

Houaphanh Province,will recognize Tai Daeng singing and Pa Bum sauce as cultural heritage on 30 December; Tai Daeng features traditional instruments in ceremonies, while Pa Bum is a fermented fish sauce central to local cuisine

A national seed policy to ensure quality seed production, improve yields, and enhance food security is being implemented; by integrating digital tools, the initiative also supports sustainable farming and competitiveness in global markets

Researchers in Laos are analyzing elephant DNA from dung to understand their alarming decline; protection plans include keeping elephants in captivity for breeding to restore the species while tracking diversity and key habitats for conservation efforts

Lao coffee, sustainably grown on the Bolaven Plateau, is earning global recognition; farmers use organic, shade-grown methods to preserve biodiversity and enhance quality; United Producer Lao Coffee is positioning coffee as a key export and cultural asset

The government held a meeting in Vientiane targeting Lao diaspora and descendants of Lao heritage; officials urged them to reconnect with their ancestral homeland and explore investment opportunities to support economic growth and strengthen cultural ties

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Laos, welcomed 1,7 million tourists in the first ten months of 2024, nearly doubling its target of 900.000; as peak season nears, officials expect figures to grow more and highlight the site's cultural appeal

An exhibition in Vientiane celebrates traditional Lao silk, showcasing over 100 textiles, some nearly 300 years old, crafted by local artisans; the event highlights Laos’s ethnic diversity and heritage in weaving, with live demonstrations of the craft

Luang Namtha will celebrate recognition as a national heritage site of Pha That Xieng Teung stupa’s, a buddhist place for meditation; the festival of cultural events, performances, markets will take place 9-15 November as part of the 2024 Visit Laos Year