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.

70 years of Lao-Japan diplomatic ties marked by Princess Aiko's first time visit to Laos

Credit:  NHK World (Japan), November 18, 2025

Lao Friends Hospital for Children in Luangprabang celebrates its 10th year

Credit:  Friends Without a Border, 2025

Lao PDR's graduation from LDC set for 2026

Image:  UN document A/76/L.6/Rev.1

Source:  UN

Back on November 11, 2021, the UN Economic and Social Council's Committee for Development Policy, recommended that the Lao PDR graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category.  This would be seen as an incredible milestone in Laos' development since the country's modern inception in 1975 when it became a republic.