Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Laos Expat Forum

laos dangerous for shakedown?

New Topic Newest First
steve1mm
  12/15/2011 06:58 EST

Im a man interested in living in laos but i am concerned about the sense of fairness of a country that--from what i have read--has a law where it is illegal, outside of marriage ? for a man and lao woman to even be in the same room together--or rather to be having sexual relations--but as i said--it has been said that the police just presume that and demand money etc. Any light from anyone? regarding this?

stumpy
  12/21/2011 04:02 EST

I have had experience with this law. In 1997 I was fined $300 for having my wife ( then my girlfriend) stay at my house in Pakse. It is still law but to the best of my knowledge is not applied these days. I live in Laos nad have not heard of this law being used.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

stumpy
  12/21/2011 04:02 EST

I have had experience with this law. In 1997 I was fined $300 for having my wife ( then my girlfriend) stay at my house in Pakse. It is still law but to the best of my knowledge is not applied these days. I live in Laos and have not heard of this law being used.

kanhnika
  3/10/2012 13:16 EST

Steve1mm-
I have never heard such a law. This is another way of the police trying to make extra cash on the side. I travel to Laos a lot and was born there. I am trying to find a job so I can go back home. But as a US citizen if you are arrested in Laos, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the embassy.

exlao
  4/14/2012 09:32 EST

The police here are ridiculous. We are trying to find out the answer. I am Lao-American. I was born in Laos but my family moved to the US when I was 2. I have a white husband and we moved back to Laos. The police came by wanting to see our marriage license -- basically threatening us. I kept my Lao citizenship and hearing rumors of dual citizenship. But until then, we either have to get a marriage license in Laos or risk fines. Or I give them back the pointless citizenship as they are not here to protect their citizens.

kanhnika
  4/15/2012 10:41 EST

I'm sorry you and your husband have to go through such a horrible ideal. First of all, Laos do not recognize dual citizenship. You moved to the US since you were 2 yrs of age why would you want to keep laos national? Secondly, go to the US Embassy in Vientiane and see what they can do.
When I travel over there I always stay in Vientiane with close family friends. During the day I travel the country side at night I always come back to Vientiane. The police harassement you and your husband receive is most likely, they want money. Of course, having connections in Laos helps.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Laos GuideLiving in Laos Guide

Guide to Living in Laos covering expat life, local culture, finding a home, diversity and more.

Laos Forum Laos Forum
Join our Laos forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Laos.

Contribute to Laos Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Laos.

Best Places to Live in Laos Best Places to Live in Laos

Plan a day trip or weekend getaway to get some holiday cheer. This article highlights the best places to visit in Laos for Christmas cheer.

Expat Healthcare Advice in Laos35 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Laos

Expats living in Laos talk about their own experiences with healthcare, hospital visits, emergencies, finding a doctor, buying health insurance in Laos and more.

Cost of Living in LaosCost of Living in Laos

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Laos.

Moving to LaosMoving to Laos Guide

Our guide to moving to Laos with lots of advice from expats on the ground.

Guide to Real Estate in LaosGuide to Real Estate in Laos

Advice for people renting and buying real estate in Laos.

Pros Cons of Living in LaosPros & Cons of Living in Laos

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Laos.

Retiring in LaosRetiring in Laos

Advice for people retiring in Laos.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Laos Network Contribute
Help others in Laos by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Laos.

William Russell
William Russell

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal