Country
Laos
Inflation in Laos Reaches 22-Year High as Economic Crisis Worsens
By Sebastian Strangio
Ordinary people are struggling to keep pace with precipitous increases in the price of petrol, cooking oil, and other basic necessities.
Laos Is On the Brink of Sovereign Bankruptcy
By Luke Hunt
Debt, wealth inequality, and corruption will keep the country poor.
In Laos, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh Is In Trouble
By David Hutt
Since he took the reins last year, the country's economy has entered a downward economic spiral with no clear end in sight.
Fuel Shortages Threatens Rural Crisis in Laos
By Sebastian Strangio
A candid report in a sedate state-run newspaper hints at the seriousness of the country’s economic problems.
What’s Causing the Currency Crisis in Laos?
By James Guild
Mounting foreign liabilities and thin foreign exchange reserves have left the nation of 7 million acutely vulnerable to global financial shocks.
Lao Economy Grinding to a Halt as Fuel Crisis Deepens
By Sebastian Strangio
A plummeting currency, dwindling foreign reserves, and a spike in global oil prices have led to shortages across the country.
Laos Pushes Forward With Seventh Mekong River Dam Project
By Sebastian Strangio
The Phou Ngoy dam is one of nine hydropower projects that the Lao government is planning on the mainstream of the Mekong River.
Golden Triangle Gambling Zone the World’s ‘Worst’ SEZ, Group Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The Golden Triangle SEZ has been credibly accused of involvement in human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and the trade in endangered wildlife products.
Thai Government Releases Exiled Lao Democracy Activist on Bail
By Sebastian Strangio
But Khoukham Keomanivong's arrest on the weekend was a sign of increasing risks facing foreign dissidents in Thailand.
Will China’s Railway in Laos Help Bolster Its ‘Soft Power’?
By Daniele Carminati
The inauguration of the long-promised rail line offers Beijing a chance to burnish its image in mainland Southeast Asia.
China’s COVID-19 Border Restrictions Wreak Economic Havoc in Southeast Asia
By Sebastian Strangio
Tighter customs clearance procedures have led producers to dump truckloads of fruit by the roadside.
Sino-Thai High-Speed Rail Project Takes Another Step Forward
By Sebastian Strangio
The Thai Transport Minister says the design for the second phase of the line is now complete.