An English translation of the recent changes to the Lao Constitution is now available through our Partner RDK Group and their excellent translation service.
This newly amended edition of the constitution reflects the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s ongoing commitment to reform, improving governance structures, and advancing the welfare of its citizens.
This latest amendment marks the most significant constitutional update since 2015 — strengthening checks and balances, clarifying local governance roles, expanding oversight powers, and introducing clearer frameworks for state audit and anti-corruption efforts.
To download an English version of the Lao Constitution (2025) click here.
Extract:
For many thousands of years, the Lao multi-ethnic people have lived and developed in this beloved land. Since the mid-14th century, our ancestors, particularly under the leadership of King Fa Ngum, united the people and established the Lao Kingdom of Lan Xang as a unified and flourishing nation.
Beginning in the 18th century, Lao territory was constantly invaded, divided, and occupied by foreign powers. Yet our people carried forward the heroic, unyielding spirit of our ancestors, engaging in a persistent and determined struggle to reclaim independence and sovereignty.
Since 1930, under the right leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party in the past and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party today, the multi-ethnic Lao people have waged a long, arduous, and courageous struggle filled with sacrifice. This struggle ultimately overthrew colonial domination and the feudal regime, fully liberating the country and establishing the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on December 2nd, 1975, ushering in a new era of genuine independence for the nation and true freedom for the people.
Following national liberation, under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, our people have resolutely carried out the dual strategic tasks of national defense and development. In particular, they have implemented comprehensive reform policies in accordance with the Party’s principles, mobilizing and strengthening the nation’s collective strength and adapting to the era’s demands. These efforts have advanced the development, construction, and modernization of the people’s democratic system, leading to prosperity, happiness, and unity. Our nation is becoming stronger and more prosperous, our society more harmonious and democratic, just and civilized, and we have laid the foundations for advancing toward socialism.
In this new era, the life of society demands that the state move toward governance and management of socio-economic affairs through the rule of law. Accordingly, the first Constitution of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was established and promulgated on August 15, 1991. This was to meet the needs of implementing the comprehensive reform direction in accordance with the Party’s principles in a deeper and more substantial way. The 1991 Constitution was then amended in 2003, and the 2003 version was further amended in 2015 to improve the structure and effectiveness of state power, introduce new mechanisms for national protection and development, and better connect the economy with regional and global systems.
The 2025 revised Constitution continues this momentum with robust, thorough reform of state institutions and a reaffirmation of the country’s path toward an independent, self-reliant economy. The Constitution of the people’s democratic regime in our country embodies the great achievements of the people in their national liberation, defense, and development efforts and is a continuation of the revolutionary mission.
The Constitution defines the political system, the economic and social systems, national defense and public order, the fundamental rights and duties of citizens, and the structure of the state apparatus. It is the highest legal expression of the collective wisdom and broad consensus of the people nationwide, clearly reflecting their lofty aspirations, long-term vision, and unwavering commitment to unite in building Laos as a nation of peace, independence, democracy, unity, and lasting prosperity.