Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith, addresses the closing session of the 5th National Inspection Work Conference on Thursday. --Photo Inspection Magazine

Party leader calls for more robust checks to curb corruption

Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith, has called for stronger, more effective and transparent inspection of all Party and State bodies, saying anti-corruption efforts must have “no restricted zones and no exceptions” as Laos intensifies measures to safeguard public interests and foster national development.
Addressing the closing session of the 5th National Inspection Work Conference on July 2, President Thongloun said close scrutiny of all sectors must not only identify strengths and good practices for wider application, but also uncover shortcomings, violations of the law, and misconduct that undermine public trust and damage the interests of the state and people.
He said inspection agencies must identify violations, determine their causes, hold responsible individuals and organisations accountable, and ensure that disciplinary, administrative and legal measures are carried through to completion.
The President said inspection authorities should improve their working methods to enhance effectiveness, while ensuring that unresolved cases are pursued until they are fully concluded.
He expressed concern over long delays in the handling of cases of corruption and misconduct, noting that some investigations remain pending for extended periods, while enforcement of court rulings is often delayed.
“The time has come when we can no longer hesitate or act half-heartedly,” he said, calling for closer coordination among inspection, prosecution and judicial bodies to ensure timely and effective implementation of legal decisions.
The Party chief also stressed the importance of improving and disseminating laws and regulations related to inspection work and anti-corruption efforts, while increasing public awareness of the harmful impacts of corruption and other forms of misconduct.
He urged authorities to publicise inspection outcomes and follow-up actions, so that the public is aware of the consequences of corruption. This publicity should help foster a culture in which people “dare not, are unable to, and do not wish to engage in corruption”, he added.
President Thongloun also called for stronger institutional capacity, greater professionalism within inspection agencies and state justice bodies, and strict action against inspection officials who violate the regulations. At the same time, he urged authorities to promote honest, dedicated and exemplary officials who serve the public interest.
According to an online report in the Inspection Magazine published by the State Inspection Authority on Thursday, President Thongloun delivered the remarks at the close of the two-day 5th National Inspection Work Conference, held under the theme: “Intensify monitoring and inspection work, making it strict and comprehensive; resolutely oppose and combat corruption, with transparency and modernisation, for the sustainable development of the nation”.
The two-day conference, held on July 1-2, brought together members of the Party Central Committee’s Political Bureau and Secretariat, full and alternate members of the Party Central Committee, deputy ministers, provincial and Vientiane administration leaders, Party inspection officials, senior retired officials, and representatives of the Party Central Inspection Committee and State Inspection Authority. Participants reviewed a draft assessment of inspection work carried out from 2021-2025 and discussed priorities for 2026-2030. Delegates also considered a draft review of the inspection sector’s development plan and future directions for strengthening institutional capacity and performance.
Another key agenda item was a draft resolution of the Party Central Committee on intensifying the prevention and suppression of corruption, bribery, wastefulness and other forms of misconduct within the Party and State apparatus and society.
Delegates from ministries, central agencies, Vientiane and the provinces shared assessments of Party inspection work, State inspection activities and anti-corruption efforts over the past five years.
Meeting participants reached consensus on future priorities, targets and implementation measures aimed at strengthening improvements in inspection work and anti-corruption efforts in the 2026-2030 period.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 6, 2026)