Mr Laopaoxong Navongxay addresses the National Assembly on Monday.    --Photo Sangkhomsay

Lao Front urges govt to get tough on drugs, scams, other social problems

The Lao Front for National Development (LFND) has called for tougher action against drug-related problems among young people, online scams, robbery and other social ills, urging authorities to strengthen law enforcement and crack down on entertainment venues operating beyond permitted hours.
Speaking at the ongoing National Assembly (NA)’s second ordinary session on Monday, LFND Vice President Mr Laopaoxong Navongxay said decisive measures were needed to tackle these problems and ensure offenders were held accountable.
He highlighted concerns over the spread of drugs and illicit substances among young people, including kratom, e-cigarettes and ketamine, as well as robbery, bag snatching and online scams.
He also called for stronger price controls, action against corruption and improvements in public services.
Despite government measures to strengthen the kip against foreign currencies, the prices of basic consumer goods, electricity, water, fuel and gas remained high, placing further pressure on low-income households, he said.
He urged authorities to create more jobs, simplify administrative procedures and take firm action against corruption and abuse of power by civil servants and state officials.
Illegal and poorly regulated mining operations in several provinces had damaged farmland, polluted the environment and contaminated water sources, making it difficult for communities to obtain water for drinking and daily use. He called for stricter inspections and decisive action against violators to protect livelihoods and the environment.
He also urged authorities to improve the quality and timeliness of road repairs in Vientiane and provinces affected by natural disasters. Repeated repairs and poor workmanship had caused traffic difficulties and safety risks while wasting state funds.
On law enforcement, Mr Laopaoxong called for closer scrutiny of court proceedings and verdicts to ensure justice, transparency and integrity. He also urged stricter enforcement of truck weight limits at weigh stations to prevent road damage, with officials, companies and vehicle owners found to have violated regulations held accountable.
Authorities should strengthen inspections of foreign businesses and individuals operating in Laos to ensure compliance with the law while protecting jobs for Lao citizens and supporting domestic businesses, he said.
Turning to education and healthcare, he highlighted shortages of personnel, medicines and essential medical equipment, particularly in remote areas. He also raised concerns about the conduct of some medical personnel and increasing numbers of primary and secondary students leaving school, calling for better service standards and stronger efforts to keep children in education.
Beyond these immediate concerns, the LFND called on the National Assembly to strengthen oversight of government performance and ensure that legislative resolutions were implemented effectively.
Mr Laopaoxong said consultations should be broadened when drafting or amending laws, with greater participation from the LFND, the Lao Veterans’ Federation, mass organisations, relevant agencies and the multi-ethnic people. Legislation should also be more widely publicised to help people understand the laws and support effective implementation.
He noted that some National Assembly resolutions, particularly those concerning mining operations and concession agreements, had not been fully implemented. He called for stronger monitoring, backed by reliable data, detailed analysis and closer coordination among relevant agencies.
National Assembly members should visit their constituencies regularly, particularly remote, ethnic and border areas, to listen to people’s concerns and raise them with the government through focused questions and practical proposals. Relevant ministries and agencies should explain how these concerns had been considered and addressed, he said.
Looking ahead to 2027, the LFND proposed stronger oversight of the National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Reducation from the outset, with closer monitoring of implementation.
It also suggested that the National Assembly Standing Committee and the LFND Central Committee sign a new Memorandum on Cooperation to replace their 2019 agreement and improve coordination.
In addition, the LFND called for National Assembly resolutions assigning it responsibility for monitoring the implementation of specific decisions, together with an adequate budget to carry out the work, particularly on matters directly affecting people’s lives and livelihoods.
Mr Laopaoxong said his comments reflected the concerns and aspirations of the multi-ethnic people and were intended to help the National Assembly and government tackle pressing social and economic problems, improve public services and strengthen public confidence in state institutions.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest Update October 13, 2026)