Laos politics

Joseph Akaravong, a politically-active Lao exile, was stabbed several times by an unknown assailant in southwestern France on June 14.

The 2001 deal delivered millions to an in-law of the former president, Bounnhang Vorachit, while blocking tobacco tax hikes for 25 years.

The current economic crisis has hollowed out the capacity of an already weak state apparatus.

The ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party has grossly mishandled the economy, but there is no political alternative – at least for now.

Last week's attempted execution of a prominent government critic points to the recent rise of lawlessness and a sharp decline in public safety.

Anousa “Jack” Luangsuphom was shot twice by an unidentified gunman in a Vientiane coffee shop on April 29.

A month after his appointment, Sonexay Siphandone has given some indication of how he plans to tackle the country's severe economic challenges.

Phankham Viphavanh, who took office in early 2021, may be on the way out -- hounded by scandal and a bad year for Laos’ economy.

The economy is stagnant and discontent is on the rise. But don't bet on a mass uprising against the ruling communist party.

Since he took the reins last year, the country's economy has entered a downward economic spiral with no clear end in sight.

The country votes in tightly-controlled elections this weekend – but don't expect anything much to change.

The Lao communist party's newly selected General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith once promised change. Now he sits atop a closed and sclerotic system.