Meet the artist who designed the Lao kip

Source:  The XYZ Arts Center, 2022

Even at the age of 66, he admits that he still has the thirst and desire to learn different artistic styles and techniques.  Meet Mr. Anoulom Souvandouane.  

Corruption and Cigarettes

Original Title:  How Imperial Brands’ confidential contract kept cigarette prices low in Laos - while secretly enriching a political insider
By: Jason McLure, Maria Pérez, and Mailee Osten-Tan
Co-Published by:  The Examination and The Diplomat, June 17, 2025

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

This story was supported in part by a grant from the Pulitzer Center and is co-published between The Examination and The Diplomat.

Laos Uncovers Widespread Corruption, Records Billions in Losses Over Five Years

By:  Thongsavanh Souvannasane, Laotian Times, November 14, 2025

Laos has uncovered widespread corruption cases nationwide over the past five years, identifying 334 individuals implicated in financial misconduct between 2021 and 2025, with total losses exceeding LAK 642.93 billion (nearly USD 30 million), alongside significant losses in multiple foreign currencies.

Reminder regarding illegal surrogacy services in Laos

Original title:  Illegal surrogacy punishable by up to 19 years in jail, Lao government warns as cases reported
By:  Vientiane Times, June 2, 2025

VIENTIANE – The authorities have issued a stern warning against any form of surrogacy services in Laos, saying that perpetrators could be given prison sentences of up to 19 years and fined up to 400 million kip.

Check your Lao bills for 100,000 kip note counterfeits

Original title:  Lao central bank warns public over counterfeit 100,000 kip banknotes
By:  Vientiane Times, July 7, 2025

Image source:  Lao central bank and Vientiane Times

VIENTIANE – The Bank of the Lao PDR has issued an urgent warning after finding counterfeit 100,000 kip banknotes in circulation, calling on all citizens to be on the alert and carefully inspect notes before making or accepting payments.

An interview with the creator of the Lao Art Museum

Source:  Thai Lao Together, February 7, 2025

By now, most people have now heard or have visited the new and grand Lao Art Museum - with its 30,000 pieces of art work featured and a building project budget that was an estimated USD$50 million.  In this video, the Thai host does a fascinating interview with the creator of the Lao Art Museum, Mr. Phisith Sayasith, along with his daughter, Aliya.

How one young man is helping his village make a living and revive an old tradition

Source:  Code Lao Channel on Youtube, 2024

Follow along in this profile of Soukmixay "Aloukee" Khounladsuvannavong, who without much textile experience or money, was able to encourage villagers to take up textile weaving and help them earn a living.