Latest Laos News
Water guns are in full blast to mark Thai New Year festivities despite worries about heat wave
It's water festival time in Thailand where many are marking the country's traditional New Year, splashing each other with colorful water guns and buckets in an often raucous celebration that draws thousands of people, even as this year the Southeast Asian nation marks record-high temperatures...
ASEAN finance leaders end meetings in Laos, pointing to challenges from geopolitics, volatile prices
LUANG PRABANG, Laos (AP) — Southeast Asian economies are gaining ground as tourism and exports recover from the shocks of the pandemic, but geopolitical tensions and volatile commodity prices still pose serious risks, regional financial leaders said Friday. Laos’ Finance Minister...
Southeast Asian countries consider ways to boost 'green financing' as region chokes on smog
LUANG PRABANG, Laos (AP) — Senior finance and central bank officials from Southeast Asia and major economies met Thursday in the scenic Laotian city of Luang Prabang to discuss ways to help the region build resilience against shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters brought on by...
Thailand steps up border control of livestock after anthrax outbreak is reported in neighboring Laos
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's government has ordered officials to closely monitor livestock along the border with Laos after more than 50 people were reported to have contracted anthrax in the neighboring country. Thai authorities have been working closely with those in Laos after...
Minnesota officer who fatally shot 65-year-old man armed with a knife will not be charged
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota police officer who fatally shot a 65-year-old man armed with a knife will not be charged, state and local prosecutors said. The offices of the Minnesota Attorney General and the Ramsey County Attorney announced Wednesday that Officer Abdirahmin...
Fears grow that dam across Mekong River in Laos could harm World Heritage site of Luang Prabang
LUANG PRABANG, Laos (AP) — Landlocked Laos doesn't have the famous beaches of its neighbors to attract tourists, but instead relies on the pristine beauty of its mountains and rivers and historical sites to bring in visitors. The crown jewel is Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World...
Southeast Asian nations cautiously optimistic of progress on Myanmar and South China Sea conflicts
LUANG PRABANG, Laos (AP) — China’s increasingly assertive posture in the South China Sea and escalating violence in Myanmar topped the agenda for Southeast Asian diplomats at their meeting in Laos on Monday, with the Laotian foreign minister expressing guarded optimism that progress could be...
Tensions simmering in the South China Sea and violence in Myanmar as Laos takes over ASEAN chair
BANGKOK (AP) — Simmering tensions in the South China Sea between China and several Southeast Asian nations now regularly spark direct confrontation. Fighting in Myanmar against the military government that seized power three years ago has grown to the point that most say the country is now in a...
