Latest news in Laos? September 13th, 2026

Major Corruption Sentences at Central Bank The Vientiane People’s Court handed down sentences to 10 former bank officials, including multiple life terms, in connection with corruption and money laundering operations that resulted in losses exceeding 2.29 trillion kip (roughly 102.6 million USD). The convictions centered around the illicit trading of foreign currency reserves, bribery, and illegal exchange schemes. The Star+ 1Domestic Power Shortages Amid Electricity Exports International reports highlighted worsening domestic electricity shortages and recurring power cuts across Vientiane and rural provinces, contrasting with the country’s rising power exports to neighboring nations such as Thailand and Vietnam under its “Battery of Southeast Asia” initiative. State utility provider EDL continues to face debt constraints and aging infrastructure, leaving local hospitals, businesses, and homes dealing with regular blackouts. BSS+ 1Industrial and Infrastructure Developments Delegates from Champasak Province concluded talks with Vietnamese enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City to survey and develop a new industrial park aimed at improving logistics and supply chain links to regional seaports. In northern Laos, plans advanced for a 330-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Xieng Khouang Province under a joint venture with Chinese partners. SGGP English Edition+ 1Hydropower and Flood Precautions Hydropower operators, including at the Xe Lanong 1 dam in Savannakhet Province, initiated controlled water releases to manage reservoir capacities following continuous monsoon rains and warnings of potential localized flash flooding. kpl.gov.la