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Laos

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Laos. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Vientiane

Head of State

President Thongloun Sisoulith

Head of Government

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone

May of those who are deported to Laos from the US have no family ties or support networks in the country. Photo: Getty Images

US-Asean relations

The Southeast Asians facing exile from the US to a land they’ve never known

After surviving a CIA-led war and building lives in America, Laotian migrants are now being detained and deported with little warning.

8 minutes ago

US-China trade war

Crunch time for China’s solar panels as Trump’s 3,521% tariffs loom

27 Apr 2025 - 9:43AMvideocam

Vietnam

Southeast Asians in Los Angeles detained, deported at routine ICE check-ins

23 Apr 2025 - 12:30AMvideocam

Scams and swindles

Southeast Asia’s scam gangs go global as crackdown bites

A new United Nations report warns of a global surge in Asian-led scam centres, operating as far afield as Nigeria, Angola and Brazil.

22 Apr 2025 - 2:07PMvideocam

People of various nationalities who were tricked or trafficked into scam centres in Myanmar stand on a vessel as it passes to Thailand’s side of the border in February. Photo: Reuters

US-China trade war

China plans to host UN event to denounce US tariffs and ‘bullying’

The informal meeting is part of Beijing’s drive to rally international support for its efforts to hit back at Donald Trump’s measures.

17 Apr 2025 - 10:41PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong visa relaxation sparks surge of Vietnamese visitors

Approved visa applications from Vietnam increased from 322 in the five years before the relaxation of criteria in October 2023 to 4,970 since.

14 Apr 2025 - 7:59PM

US-Asean relations

Asean’s ‘illusion of solidarity’ splinters amid Trump’s tariff threats

While Malaysia calls for a united front, the reality is a race for bilateral deals, with Vietnam leading the charge – as China watches on.

13 Apr 2025 - 12:21PMvideocam

United States

Tariffs impact on developing nations may be worse than foreign aid cuts: UN

Tariffs on imports to the US mean developing economies risk sliding back on gains made in recent years, says the United Nations’ trade agency.

11 Apr 2025 - 6:26PMvideocam

Vietnam

US aid cuts threaten ‘new-found agency’ of many Southeast Asian nations

Countries reliant on Chinese development support will have less room to diversify their ties given the aid cuts, a study shows.

7 Apr 2025 - 4:45PM

US-China trade war

My Take | The United States, not China, turns out to be the real bogeyman

The significance of Trump’s tariffs is that they have destroyed the credibility of America on which its global alliances have long depended.

6 Apr 2025 - 9:00PM

A screen showing stock prices at the end of the trading day on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on April 4, 2025. World financial markets are continuing to react to reciprocal tariffs that US President Donald Trump implemented. Photo: EPA-EFE

Food and agriculture

Opinion | How China and Laos are taking the food security bull by the horns

The cattle crossbreeding agreement between Beijing and Vientiane is an example of cooperation that could benefit the region.

6 Apr 2025 - 8:30PMvideocam

A view of a beef cattle market in Tongliao city in Inner Mongolia, China, on March 6. Although China is the world’s largest meat producer, it is also the biggest importer. Photo: Xinhua

Asean

Opinion | 3 ways Asean can survive Trump’s tariff war – and 4 ways China can help

Amid escalating global trade tensions, Southeast Asian nations must stick together and diversify their options to mitigate external shocks.

4 Apr 2025 - 8:30PMvideocam

Asean

Southeast Asians expect more US engagement amid Trump’s tariff call: survey

Singapore, one of the US’ closest partners in the region, is the most worried about the impact of Trump’s second term, a new survey shows.

3 Apr 2025 - 7:21PMvideocam

China trade

Lao Airlines cruising to first C909 – a milestone for the made-in-China aircraft

China’s aircraft manufacturer continues spreading its wings abroad with fresh deals to supply passenger jets to Asian neighbours.

31 Mar 2025 - 5:45PM

This China-made C909 will operate in Laos and have 90 seats. Photo: CCTV

Food and Drinks

How to make TikTok sensation Lao street food naem khao

Naem khao is a popular dish in Laos, made from deep-fried rice balls that are broken up, baked and served with peanuts and dressing.

29 Mar 2025 - 6:15PM

Lao rice salad naem khao is taking Instagram and TikTok by storm. Photo: Instagram/britishgirlabroad

Australia

Australia to warn young travellers about methanol poisoning after Laos deaths

Foreign ministry warns travellers to ‘be suspicious of unusually cheap drinks’ following the death of two 19-year-olds.

27 Mar 2025 - 4:45PMvideocam

Climate change

In Laos, 1 in 3 children has stunted growth – despite surplus rice

In some poorer areas, stunting is even more prevalent. Experts say a lack of dietary diversity is a big part of the problem.

24 Mar 2025 - 3:27PM

Climate change

Opinion | Asia is ground zero for the impact of global glacier loss

Other mountain ranges are losing their glaciers faster but Asia’s critically dependent economy and people put it on the front line.

22 Mar 2025 - 5:30AMvideocam

Asia travel

Why you should visit relaxing Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos now

Life moves slower in Laos, but the pace is quickening and the ‘land of a million elephants’ is increasingly in the clutches of nearby China.

19 Mar 2025 - 11:15AM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong rolls out smoother entry policy for invited Asean professionals

Scheme allows event attendees and those who can contribute to local economy to make multiple trips to Hong Kong over three-year period.

18 Mar 2025 - 7:04PM

Asia travel

Women designers showcase Laotian hand weaving in gorgeous garments

An exhibition at Laos’ Sofitel Luang Prabang hotel highlights how artisans are both preserving the traditional art form and modernising it.

15 Mar 2025 - 11:15AMvideocam

Video | Laotian hand weaving on display at Luang Prabang exhibition

15 Mar 2025 - 11:00AM

Laotian hand weaving by women designers on display at Luang Prabang exhibition

02:45

China trade

After 43 years building a better cow, China signs first export deal with Laos

China’s proprietary Huaxi cattle, the culmination of meticulous breeding to produce optimal growth and high-quality meat, is entering the global value chain.

14 Mar 2025 - 6:00PM

Hong Kong economy

Poll reveals which Hong Kong products are winning over Asean online shoppers

Consumers from Thailand, Indonesia lead in buying products from city, while Singapore respondents have highest spend per purchase.

10 Mar 2025 - 10:04PM

Hong Kong

This week in PostMag: 5 women leaders in STEM and a trip to Luang Prabang

We celebrate International Women’s Day this week with brilliant women innovating in science, an artist who uses AI in her work, and a beer brewer who started her own company at age 18.

14 Mar 2025 - 3:09PM

Megan Lam, Wendy Lam, Florence Chan, Gina Jiang and Angela Wu are five women at the top of their game in the field of STEM. Photo: TMT

Asia travel

Why is once sleepy Luang Prabang now on tourists’ radar?

A railway from China, an unlikely film festival and a new generation of entrepreneurs are shaking things up in Luang Prabang, northern Laos.

10 Mar 2025 - 3:16PM

Tourists taking part in an alms-giving ceremony by a procession of monks in Luang Prabang. Photo: Getty Images

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong to become Muslim-friendly city for Asean businesses, tourists: John Lee

Authorities have introduced incentives such as simplifying immigration requirements, offering more halal options, city leader says.

17 Feb 2025 - 8:13PM

Hong Kong economy

Trump’s reciprocal tariff plan to hurt Hong Kong, mainland producers: experts

But blanket approach may eliminate competitive edge of producers in other Asian countries, insider says.

15 Feb 2025 - 4:58PM

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