23 Dec, 2025

Rising Gold Prices Add to Household Costs in Laos

Gold prices in Laos jumped sharply on 23 December, following a broader rise seen across neighbouring countries, as global prices climbed and local currency pressures pushed costs higher at gold shops nationwide.In Laos, on 23 December, the selling price of gold ornaments rose by LAK 940,000 (USD 43) per baht in a single day. As of the morning of 24 December, prices had increased by a further LAK 50,000.Similar increases have been reported elsewhere in Southeast Asia, where gold prices closely track global markets and exchange rates.The selling price of gold ornaments climbed to LAK 46.71 million (USD 2,158) per gold baht (1 gold baht equals to 15.2 grams), up from LAK 45.77 million (USD 2,116) on 22 December. The increase followed a smaller rise of LAK 240,000 (USD 11) per baht the previous day, marking a significant acceleration in price growth.While gold price movements often draw attention from investors, the impact in Laos has been felt mainly by ordinary families. In Lao society, as in much of Asia, gold remains closely tied to family traditions, particularly weddings, religious ceremonies, and long-term household savings. As prices rise, these purchases have become more costly for local buyers.The increase came as global gold prices reached a new record of USD 4,497 per ounce, supported by market volatility and recent US monetary policy decisions. Earlier this month, the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 percent, its third reduction in 2025, bringing rates to their lowest level in three years. Lower interest rates typically support gold prices, as investors seek safe-haven assets during periods of economic uncertainty.At the domestic level, higher gold prices are adding pressure for Lao consumers already facing rising living costs. According to the Lao Statistics Bureau, inflation rose to 4.8 percent in November, up from 4.3 percent in October, driven mainly by increases in electricity, water, health care, and education costs, alongside continued depreciation of the kip.Housing, electricity, and cooking fuel prices rose by 18 percent, while health care costs increased by 13.5 percent and education expenses climbed 11.6 percent, further straining household budgets.The Laotian Times has previously reported that fluctuations in the kip and rising inflation frequently translate into higher gold prices at local shops, increasing costs for jewellery buyers and small savers.

17 Dec, 2025

Laos Rejects Claims of Oil Re-exports to Cambodia, Assures Compliance with Law

Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith has confirmed that all oil imported from Thailand is strictly reserved for domestic use within Laos, dismissing concerns that fuel supplies are being re-exported to Cambodia.Speaking on 16 December during a meeting with Thai Minister of Energy Prasert Sinsukprasert, Malaithong said any such re-export would be illegal under Lao regulations governing cross-border trade and goods transit. He stressed that the Lao government does not permit oil imported from Thailand to pass through the country for onward shipment to third countries.According to the Lao side, the volume of oil imported from Thailand has remained stable and has not increased significantly. This assessment was confirmed by oil traders as well as the Lao Customs Department. Officials explained that daily truck movements at the Chong Mek border can fluctuate, averaging around 20 fuel trucks per day. On some days, crossings may drop to as few as five trucks, while on busier days the number can rise to about 50.Seasonal demand also plays a key role in Laos’ oil consumption patterns. Between November and April, after the end of the rainy season, oil consumption in Laos typically increases, particularly in southern provinces where mining activities expand during the dry months.Thai Energy Minister Prasert welcomed the assurances and reiterated Thailand’s position that fuel imported into Laos must remain for domestic use only. He said Thai authorities, together with Lao agencies, are closely monitoring oil movements to prevent any violations.Temporary Fuel Suspension at Chong Mek BorderThe statements come amid heightened scrutiny at the Chong Mek permanent border crossing in Sirindhorn district, Ubon Ratchathani. On 15 December, Thai authorities temporarily suspended fuel exports, along with military equipment and related items, after detecting unusually high volumes of fuel shipments passing through the checkpoint.Thailand’s Second Army Area Operations Center reported that inspections found export levels that appeared abnormal compared with previous periods, with some shipments suspected of being routed through Laos before reaching Cambodia. The suspension took effect at midnight on the same day and remains in place until further notice, although other cross-border activities continue under existing regulations.In response to the disruption, Thailand’s Defence Ministry later apologized to Laos for the impact of the temporary measures, emphasizing that the restrictions were driven by security concerns linked to tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.Defence Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri said at a Joint Press Center briefing that the controls were not aimed at Laos or Lao trade. He stressed that Thailand respects Laos’ sovereignty and the countries’ bilateral relations, describing the suspension as a precautionary step to prevent the misuse of sensitive goods during a period of heightened regional security concerns.