Crime in Laos

Crime is present in various forms in Laos.

Crimes against foreigners in Laos

Petty crime, which includes snatch theft and pick-pocketing, is an issue in Laos. Violent crime is another one, with less prominence, though the rate of it has been growing. Traveling alone in remote areas after dark is of risk especially to foreigners. Vang Vieng is a location in Laos of high risk; many rapists and robbers roam in that area. In addition, foods sold at Vang Vieng's eating places are known to be spiked and pose severe health problems. Fake and pirated merchandise can be easily found in many parts of Laos.^[1]

Crimes against women in Laos

Prostitution is a serious problem in Laos. The Laotian government has made some effort to stop prostitution in the country, but has been criticised for not showing enough concern for the victims.^[2]

Illegal drug trade

Illegal drug trade is an important issue in Laos. The country is home to a great number of poppy fields and drug addicts. The Laotian government has been making an effort to end this problem; once one of the world's largest opium producers, Laos now no longer has that strong an opium industry, with some 94% of the opium farms being wiped out from the surface of the country in 2005, prompting the country to call their anti-opium efforts a "success". On the other hand, more and more of other drugs such as heroin are being traded in the country.^[3]

Corruption

Corruption is a problem in Laos. The 2012 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranked the country at number 160, out of 176 countries in total.^[4] The government has been making an effort or curb corruption.^[5]

References