Laos is facing a serious debt crisis in 2025. For many years, the government borrowed a lot of money, mostly from China, to build big dams along the Mekong River. The plan was to sell electricity to other countries and make Laos the “battery of Southeast Asia.” But the income from these dams has been much lower than expected. Now the country’s debt is bigger than its whole economy, and paying it back is becoming very hard. Much of the money is owed to Chinese banks and companies, giving China strong influence over Laos. The local currency, the kip, has lost value, and prices for food and fuel keep rising. Many Lao families are struggling to buy basic goods, while the government faces pressure to find ways to repay its loans. Critics say the dams damaged the environment and didn’t bring the promised growth. The debt crisis has left Laos dependent on China and uncertain about its economic future.

Pray for wise counsel for the Laotian government to find a solution to the massive debt crisis. Pray for economic stability and growth in Laos (The Holy Bible, Psalm 118:25).

Pray for divine provision for the Laotian families affected by higher inflation and economic crisis in the country. Pray for the LORD to bless the works of their hands (The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 28:12).

News Source: World Politics Review, The Lao times, Deutsche Welle, Radio Free Asia

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