Law No. 109 on Dam Safety.

This Law establishes the principles, regulations, and measures for the management and monitoring of dam safety throughout the Lao PDR. It serves as a comprehensive legal framework to ensure that dams—including those for hydropower, irrigation, and mining tailings—are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to the highest safety standards to protect lives, property, and the environment.
The Law outlines a rigorous inspection regime consisting of three types: regular inspections (planned), announced inspections (triggered by specific orders or reports), and sudden inspections (emergency or unannounced). It mandates dam owners and operators to establish emergency preparedness plans, conduct regular risk assessments, and maintain transparency in reporting dam stability and water management data to relevant government authorities.