Laos government to address property concerns like foreign purchase

The Lao Front for National Development (LFND) raises the need to address land disputes and compensation 

According to Laotian Times, the Lao Front for National Development (LFND) has requested the National Assembly to tackle land disputes, as well as land acquisition without development, across the country. 

Large areas of prohibited land, forest land, and public land have been secured by businesses without compensation or fees paid to the government.  

In many cases, the land has also been appropriated while the developments are stalled or even not begun at all.  

Khamchan Phomsengsavanh, vice president of the Lao Front for National Development, gave voice to a variety of topics in the Second Ordinary Session of the National Assembly’s Ninth Legislature, including the problem of the acquisition of land. 

“Some local people have no land on which build a shelter and grow their crops – they have no secure income and live in poverty,” she said.  

She added that agricultural areas affected by construction projects are also not compensated, for the loss of crops, according to state criteria.  

“For example, in Saysettha District of Vientiane Capital, a land acquisition dispute between the Nam Tha Bridge and Road Construction Company and some 126 villagers in Xiengda has been a major problem for many years but has yet to be addressed,” noted Khamchan. 

More: Options for foreigners interested in purchasing property in Cambodia

Moreover, she also mentioned the issue of the foreign purchase and sale of property through Lao nominees, which has resulted in many being defrauded and tough disputes. 

“The government should properly monitor, inspect, and re-allocate land in a methodical manner, as well as making adequate efforts to assist in the resolution of specific land disputes,” she added.