Laos

Date: June 18th, 2003 |

The arrest of three Westerners, two journalists among them, on a charge of murder is a reminder to be careful about getting involved in political issues when traveling in foreign lands. The trio had been meeting with Hmong rebels in an effort to shed light on their cause, which has attracted scant attention in Western [read more]

Laos

Date: February 12th, 2003 |

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A bus and other vehicles traveling on Route 13 north of Vang Vieng on the way to Luang Prabang were attacked by some 25 men armed with automatic weapons and grenades Feb. 6. At least 12 people were killed, including two foreign cyclists who happened to be passing at the time, and 26 were wounded. [read more]

Laos

Date: August 8th, 2001 |

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A restaurant popular with travelers and expatriates in the center of Vientiane was bombed Mar. 30. Thirteen people were injured, some seriously, when the bomb blew in the front wall of the “Thank You Very Much” restaurant. It’s unclear who was responsible, or what the motive may [read more]

Laos

Date: August 1st, 2001 |

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The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane advises against travel to Xieng Khouang province, including the Plain of Jars, because of credible reports of violent incidents there. From time to time the Lao government restricts travel to parts of the province, and travelers on Route 7 and in Muang Khoune and Paxai districts are susceptible to banditry.
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Laos

Date: July 24th, 2001 |

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An unofficial curfew is in effect in Vientiane. Travel after midnight without identification is prohibited, and violators have been fined between $7 and $15. Security has been tightened in an effort to stop a wave of bombings that since March have injured dozens. Armed soldiers are now prominent on the city streets at night, and [read more]

Laos

Date: April 23rd, 2003 |

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The second deadly attack on a bus since February on the road between the old royal capital Luang Prabang and the town of Vang Vieng occurred recently. No foreigners were believed killed in this attack, but at least ten Laos died. Diplomatic sources believe the attacks were carried out by a Hmong rebel group that [read more]

Laos

Date: November 6th, 2001 |

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Three Italians, a Belgian and a Russian were arrested for staging a pro-democracy demonstration and handing out leaflets in Vientiane. Officials suggested that they would spend at least a couple of weeks in custody, a reminder that taking overt political action in other countries has its risks. The arrested individuals were part of the Brussels-based [read more]

Laos

Date: August 6th, 2001 |

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The third blast in five weeks in Ventiane occurred May 4, outside a government hotel a few hundred yards from a restaurant where foreign travelers were injured in a grenade attack in March. Such incidents are new in Laos, and no one has claimed responsibility. There is speculation that Hmongs from the north may be [read more]

Laos

Date: July 25th, 2001 |

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Several violent incidents have occurred since March in places frequented by tourists. The worst were explosions in the Morning Market and a restaurant near Nam Phu Plaza, but there have also been bombings at Vientiane’s Central Post Office, Central Bus Station and outside two other restaurants. A small bomb was also discovered in Vientiane’s domestic [read more]

Laos

Date: May 30th, 2001 |

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The State Department cites credible reports that individuals may be planning to bomb Lao government and public facilities in the cities of Vientiane, Pakse, Saravan, Savannakhet and Muang Khammouan. In view of several bombings in public places frequented by tourists in Vientiane last spring, this information should not be taken lightly. The risks may be [read more]