question: is there a law stating how old a person must be to drink beer?

USA Joe, There is no minimum drinking age, or purchase age in Laos, so anyone can legally drink or be in possession of alcohol.

But as Lao Lan Xang has mentioned, you wouldn't find many Lao kids drinking since they have no money, and also Lao parents like to supervise and control their kids.

Lao people are usually sensible with their drinking, if they get drunk they'll keep to themselves like the lady dancing alone on the first page. It's rare to see any alcohol-fuelled violence, and that's the beauty of this country.

But the government should regulate and let people buy alcohol, and smoke at 18 yrs or older.

Lao Lan Xang, Government regulation won't stop anything, teenagers will still buy alcohol and cigarettes if they really want to. And businesses will provide them because it's about profit.

Just like the new compulsory helmet law. Many people do not care about it, and still continue to ride their motorbikes without a helmet.

USA Joe, Foreigners are always at fault in a vehicle accident in Laos, so it doesn't matter if a drunken kid or elderly person gave you a few broken bones, you will need to pay up.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 12^th Aug, 2010 at 8:51am:

Thank for the lookout. I didn't know they alway blame foreigners.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 12^th Aug, 2010 at 11:39pm:


I also heard about that, driving can be dangerous in Asia, in US too. Not just in Laos, but also in Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 12^th Aug, 2010 at 8:51am:


i never said i would be driving. my statement was from an observer's point of view... of seeing what lao people do to other lao people.

as a matter of fact, as a foreigner, i know not to get too physically evolved with the native. i dont even buy things... i give the money to my native friend to buy so i dont get cheated. i know i have no rights in lao.