Sexual harassment has been an increasingly pressing issue across the world, yet it often fades from public discourse. This is also the case in Laos, where social media users argue that the authorities’ response has been inadequate, leaving victims without sufficient support despite ongoing public awareness efforts.

According to several interviewees and social media users, cases of sexual harassment in Laos often go unnoticed or are not effectively tackled.

The most recent case involved a 15-year-old boy, who assaulted and murdered a 13-year-old girl on 25 June in Champasack Province. According to Champasack Public Security, the teenager initiated his plan around 8 am when he sexually harassed the victim before killing her, local media reported.

Although the boy has been arrested, the authorities have not reported the punishment he will receive. This has led the public to question the effectiveness of the law, fearing that the boy may be released and the case may go silent—a practice that many online believe is widespread in Laos

According to Section 248 of Laos’s Criminal Law, rape can result in 4-6 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to LAK 30 million (USD 1,360). If the victim is under 18, the punishment increases to 6-10 year jail term and a fine of up to LAK 50 million (USD 2,267).

But some residents call for stringent punishments for such cases.

“Engaging in sexual activities with minors should result in a life sentence. But here, if you have enough money, you can always pay yourself out of the trouble,” a Facebook user commented on the overall situation in Laos

The frustration with the legal system is echoed by others who have experienced similar issues first-hand.

“I was once attacked by my ex husband. Even after reporting my case to both the village chief and the district governor, it all went nowhere. So, I’ve been living this nightmare ever since,” another Facebook user wrote.

On the flip side, some victims of sexual harassment choose to fight injustice by being vocal not only within their communities but also on social media

Former Lao Student Flees After Alleged Sexual Assault by National Assembly Member

One such case is the story of Nanthida “Nesxy” Phoummichit, a former French language student at the National University of Laos. She fled to Thailand in June after sharing her experience on social media and immediately going viral. Nanthida recounted being sexually harassed by a government official, who later confessed in a Messenger text screenshot and published on Facebook by Nesxy herself.

Nanthida stated that the assault occurred on 10 April while she was working as an assistant for Vietnamese officials during the meeting of the Commission for Economic, Social, and Environmental Affairs in Luang Prabang. Around 10 pm, the man broke into her hotel room and attempted to engage in forced sexual activities with her. However, she managed to fend off the attacker and avoid further harm, she told in a Facebook post

A few months after the incident, Nanthida sought help from her teachers, the hotel, authorities, and the Lao Women’s Union but claimed their responses were inadequate. Fearing retaliation from her assailant, she eventually fled the country.

“I am sad and disappointed that people around me started to keep their distance from me,” Nesxy told the Laotian Times, describing the reactions of others after she shared her story online. “Nobody tried to help, understand, or lend me any support at all. Even the other students who were with me during my work assignment in Luang Prabang.”

Despite feeling to have received minimal support from both the people around her as the authorities, Nanthida continued to seek help by reaching out to several international human rights organizations. When asked about the measures or support Laos could provide to victims of sexual harassment, Nesxy emphasized the need for greater understanding and effective response from authorities.

“They should not blame victims for not speaking up immediately after the incident. It doesn’t matter how early or late you tell; the fact remains that you were sexually harassed,” she said.

Nesxy further explained that she feared people wouldn’t believe her and would accuse her of fabricating the story. Additionally, she wasn’t ready to come forward until she had gathered sufficient information and evidence.

Nesxy emphasized that her assailant should be punished according to the law.

Her story has sparked significant discussion on social media, prompting Lao media pages and prominent individuals like Miss International Queen Laos 2022 Minladar Aengmany, Maxar Yathortouyongkaiy Xiengkhouang’s Top 18 Miss Universe Laos 2024, and Phaimany Lathsabanthao Miss Universe Laos 2023, to post about the issue of sexual harassment in the country. They have emphasized the insufficient support for victims’ mental health and the lack of updates on the offenders’ status.