ARTICLES

16 Jul 2026

The Grey Capital Malaise Infecting Thailand

Gregory Raymond

Thailand has not been immune to the sweep of ‘grey capital’ afflicting Laos and Myanmar. Given the authorities’ weak-willed approach to fighting the problem, it will continue to fester.

12 Jun 2026

How Southeast Asians Experience Chinese-Built Infrastructure

Eugene R.L. Tan|Hoang Thi Ha

This Long Read reports the findings of an online survey on perceptions of Chinese-built infrastructure in Southeast Asia. It reflects both the tangible benefits of these projects and broader considerations shaping regional views of China as an infrastructure development partner.

Cambodia China Indonesia Infrastructure Laos Survey Vietnam

10 Jun 2026

How Small States Can Survive Big Changes: Laos, Mekong and ASEAN in the Age of Might Makes Right

Anoulak Kittikhoun

“Might makes right” is back in form with major powers’ use of tariffs and military actions, leaving small states like Laos with fewer buffers and narrower margins for error than more capable middle powers. This Long Read explores options and imperatives for Laos as it navigates new geopolitical realities.

ASEAN China Laos Mekong River

8 Jun 2026

No Longer Poor: Can Laos be Clean, Green and Great?

Anoulak Kittikhoun

Anoulak Kittikhoun argues that as Laos prepares to graduate from the United Nations’ least developed country category, the bigger challenge is no longer escaping poverty but building a future defined by clean space and green growth.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Laos Sustainable Development

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith co-chaired a conference in Vientiane on 5 February 2026 on outcomes of the 14th National Party Congress, on the occasion of the former’s state visit to Laos. (Screengrab from Vietnam News Agency / Facebook)

11 Mar 2026

Beyond Brotherhood: Vietnam’s New Playbook for Laos

Nguyen Khac Giang

In an attempt to prevent the latter from drifting too far into China’s orbit, Vietnam has made overtures to Laos in the form of functional cooperation.

Laos Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

22 May 2025

Vietnam’s Response to Controversial Mekong Projects in China, Laos, and Cambodia

Phan Xuan Dung

Vietnam is anxious about the geostrategic implications of upstream Mekong projects in China, Laos, and Cambodia. It faces the dilemma of protecting its vital interests in the Mekong while maintaining stable and cooperative relations with its three neighbours.

Cambodia China Laos Mekong River Vietnam

25 Apr 2025

US Aid Cuts and Travel Ban Will Impact Laos

Nick J. Freeman

The US has reduced its overseas assistance to Laos significantly. At a time when other countries are following suit, Vientiane will be hard-pressed to find alternatives.

Foreign Aid Laos US

14 Apr 2025

Laos Streamlines Bureaucracy to Make it More Efficient

Nick J. Freeman

The government plans to merge ministries and reduce redundancy to become more ‘lean’ and ‘robust’.

Laos Laos Politics

13 Mar 2025

Mending Fences: Vietnam and Cambodia’s Diplomatic Reset

Nguyen Khac Giang

The Ho Chi Minh City Summit signals a pragmatic reset in Vietnam-Cambodia relations, driven by economic interests rather than ideology. Successful cooperation would bring the added advantage of enhancing their collective bargaining power with external actors and strategic flexibility as the great power competition intensifies.

Cambodia Diplomacy Hun Manet Laos To Lam Vietnam