Laos: Foreign national held hostage and killed in Bolikhamsai Province May 24

Event

Authorities announced that unidentified assailants kidnapped and killed a Thai national in Bolikhamsai Province, Laos, May 24. The victim traveled to Laos from Bueng Kan Province in Thailand May 17. The perpetrators subsequently demanded ransom May 18, but the victim's family did not respond to the request. Reports indicate that the victim's body was found in the Mekong River in Muang district, Nakhon Phanom Province May 22. Authorities are investigating the incident and details of the suspects remain unclear.

Bolikhamsai Province is approximately 40 km (25 miles) northeast of Vientiane.

Context

The threat of kidnapping in Laos remains low and kidnappers are more likely to target locals. Victims may face the threat of injury or death during confinement and may be held for long periods of time without any guarantee of safe release.