Laos Hands Over 129 Thai Nationals to Thai Authorities Over Cybercrime, Online Gambling

VIENTIANE – A special task force from the Ministry of Public Security of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has handed over 129 Thai nationals to Thai authorities at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, adhering to Lao law and existing agreements between the governments of Laos and Thailand. The suspects were apprehended on August 28 during coordinated raids conducted by Lao public security forces at the Mangrove Hotel and Glory Apartment, located in Phai Village, Xaysetha District, Vientiane. The official handover memorandum was executed by Lieutenant Colonel Kaenkham Kaenthavong, Head of Immigration at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge International Border Checkpoint, on behalf of Laos. Receiving the suspects for Thailand was Lieutenant Colonel Thiyachaphat Rangsiphramanakun, Deputy Superintendent of Nong Khai Provincial Immigration. Officials from both nations were present to witness the transfer. This operation was conducted in full compliance with the Law on Entry-Exit and Management of Foreigners in the Lao PDR (No. 59/NA, dated December 26, 2014) and other bilateral arrangements established between the two countries. In a public service announcement, authorities encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities linked to cybercrime or illegal online gambling syndicates by contacting the official police hotline 1533, which operates around the clock. In separate developments, Laos continues to confront the profound humanitarian challenge posed by a severe legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Decades after the Indochina War, an estimated 80 million unexploded cluster submunitions are believed to remain scattered across the country, according to the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for the UXO/AXO Sector. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed for a comprehensive project encompassing the feasibility study, survey, design, construction, and maintenance of a significant 75.212-kilometer section of National Road 13 South. This vital infrastructure project will extend from Km 35 to the Xebangnouan Bridge, situated at the Saravane provincial border in Savannakhet Province. Information Source: KPL Laos News