Laos: Shooting incident seriously injures foreign national in Vientiane the evening of Sept. 1

Event

A shooting incident occured in Sibounheuang Village, Chanthabuly District, Vientiane, injuring a Chinese national, the evening of Sept. 1. Reports indicate that the victim was shot at a traffic crossing near the Prime Minister's Office while returning from work. Emergency crews transported the victim to the hospital following the incident. Details of the suspect remain unclear.

Context

The threat of crime in Vientiane, Laos, remains moderate. While most crimes targeting foreigners are petty in nature, like purse snatching and pick-pocketing, violent incidents like armed robbery and murder sometimes occur. A rise in criminal activity is possible in the coming weeks and months amid the economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic.