pointed out that the upcoming increase in the minimum wage may not be enough for workers in light of the ever-increasing depreciation of the Lao Kip leading to a higher cost of living.

The Lao kip, however, given its close link to the Thai baht, was particularly vulnerable to the exchange rate volatility that rocked the region. Between July 1997 and June 1998, the kip lost 70 ...

Lao Red Cross distributes food, drinking water, and educational supplies to students in the provinces.